Planet Fitness takes 'vigorous steps' to limit community transmission of Coronavirus

Forced to close its facility in the South Western Sydney suburb of Casula at the weekend after an exerciser with COVID-19 attended the gym, Planet Fitness has taken what it described as “vigorous steps to limit community transmission” of the Coronavirus.

Since Planet Fitness immediately took steps to close the gym following the reports of the positive case, the group has been working with Fitness Australia to ensure the safety of all gym users and the community.

Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish said while it was taking the cases of community transmission seriously he was confident in Planet Fitness’ actions, advising “since first hearing a patron with COVID-19 attended the facility, Planet Fitness has been extremely proactive with closing the facility, undertaking a deep clean and advising gym users who were present at the time to immediately get tested.

“In addition, due to Planet Fitness’ robust user log it has been able to accurately identify and contact all patrons of the gym to facilitate testing and tracing with the NSW Health Department.

“In fact, Planet Fitness’ response has been so thorough it has been praised by the NSW Chief of Health. We know Planet Fitness is continuing to work with the NSW Health Department to limit the risk of further community transmission.”

Elvish said the fitness industry was doing whatever it could to ensure the health and safety of all gym users while remaining open, adding “we know gyms can be a COVID safe environment when strict procedures are enforced to protect the health and safety of members and employees from COVID-19.

“This is why Fitness Australia has a detailed framework available for all fitness businesses to follow.”

The Framework for Operations in the Fitness Industry Under COVID-19 Restrictions is available to all businesses within the industry, while the Checklist is exclusively available to Fitness Australia members.

Fitness Australia members who complete the Checklist will have the opportunity to download and display COVID Safety Plan In Place branded assets to show they are adhering to strict industry reopening standards.

The Fitness Australia COVID Safety Plan framework, which provides general considerations for all businesses and operators in the fitness industry, is available at fitness.org.au/covidsafetyplan

The COVID Safety Plan Checklist is available to members via the dashboard at fitness.org.au.