Singapore's Coronavirus easing will not include gyms and sport facilities

The Singapore Government's move to ease the nation's Coronavirus lockdown from 2nd June will not include the reopening of fitness clubs and gyms along with indoor and outdoor sport and recreation facilities.

With the nation to enter Phase 1 of country's 'post-circuit breaker' period from next week, confirmation that exercise and sport facilities would not be included in the easing was advised by national sport agency Sport Singapore (SportSG).

As reported by the Straits Times, the move is certain to disappoint fitness and sports industry stakeholders, many of whom have been hit financially because of closures during the circuit breaker period from 7th April.

Industry representatives had been hopeful of being included in the Phase 1 easing following a dialogue with Singapore Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu last week during which they appealed for the sector to be allowed to reopen.

However, fitness operators may be granted access to their business facilities to record content for online classes. They will have to seek the approval of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the number of employees will also be limited.

From 2nd June, Singapore will gradually restart its economy in three phases over the next several months and will move from Phase 1 to the next stage if community transmission rates remain "low and stable" and the dormitory situation remains under control, said the Government on Tuesday.

Sports facilities will gradually be allowed to reopen in Phase 2, which will come at least four weeks after the end of the circuit breaker.

During this period, measures will be in place to limit group sizes and minimise interactions to avoid the risk of community transmissions.

SportSG advised that activities that involve deliberate body contact between participants may be deferred until it is deemed less risky.

While ActiveSG sports facilities will remain closed to the public in Phase 1, tenants at ActiveSG sports centres such as food and beverage outlets, pharmacies, hair salons and childcare centres will remain open to the public, but F&B outlets will offer only takeaway services.

While facilities will remain closed, Singaporeans are being encouraged to remain active and fit through functional exercises done at home.