NSW gyms introduce temperature testing and COVID marshals to reduce member Coronavirus risks

Facing a range of challenges in keeping facilities free from Coronavirus threats, gyms in NSW are introducing temperature checks for members and exercisers.

In addition, as required by the NSW Government since 1st August, new measures introduced by the NSW Government to ensure COVIDSafe hygiene at gyms require all facilities to have a COVID marshal in place at all times.

Introducing this measure last week, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian advised that the requirement “includes gyms who currently might have a business model where they don't have any staff present."

Stating that a permanent staff member would need to fill this role, Premier Berejiklian added “we know those high-risk activities are those indoor venues where people are in close proximity to others when speaking, or when they're in close physical activity such as a gym.”

Following Premier Berejiklian’s announcement, YMCA NSW advised that all its gyms and fitness centres would meet the requirement.

In a post on LinkedIn, the Y noted “we are committed to taking the required steps to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 (and) have allocated a COVID-19 Safe Marshal to every centre distinguished by a Y branded hi-vis vest.

“The COVID-19 Safe Marshall’s responsibility is to ensure all aspects of the COVID-19 Safety Plan are maintained (which) includes social distancing, cleaning and ensuring the accuracy of record-keeping.”

Since reopening, a range of fitness clubs having been conducting temperature checks for members as they enter their facilities.

Facilities doing this since reopening have include Campbelltown’s Aquafit, the Willoughby Leisure Centre, Kincumber Gym, Pulse Fitness Maclean and a number of F45 franchises.

Among several NSW gyms reporting having been used by COVID-19 infected members, Fitness First, which had to close and deep clean its clubs in the Sydney suburbs of Kings Cross and St Leonards, has now had to close its Rockdale club after a person exercised there and later tested positive for Coronavirus.

As of Monday this week, Fitness First in Rockdale contacted its members to advise that anyone who attended last Monday (27th July) between 11.25am to 12.30pm should get tested.

The premises have been closed for deep cleaning.

Lower images shows the Y's COVID-19 Safe Marshal advice.