Fitness Australia calls for Queensland Government to release Stage 3 Industry COVIDSafe Plan

July 1, 2020

Following Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s announcement yesterday that Stage 3 Easing of Restrictions will be introduced in the state from 3rd July, Fitness Australia has called for the immediate release of the Industry COVID-Safe Plan to ensure the continued health and safety of all fitness facility members and employees.

Since Queensland gyms reopened earlier last month, Fitness Australia has been working with the Queensland Government to develop an Industry COVIDSafe Plan and checklist for businesses and operators within the fitness industry. The Stage 2 plan was the first industry plan to be approved in the state, which allowed gyms and fitness facilities to operate with greater numbers.

Explaining that an Industry COVIDSafe Plan for Stage 3 was equally as important to ensure fitness facilities were adhering to continued health and safety procedures, especially with clusters of cases on the rise in Victoria, Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish stated “ensuring gym users and the broader community have the confidence and comfort that the fitness industry is doing whatever it can to ensure a safe exercise environment is our top priority.

“We have been working with the Queensland Government to develop a Stage 3 Industry COVID-Safe Plan. We are calling on them to release it quickly ahead of Friday when the easing of restrictions comes into play.”

Elvish said it was a positive step to see Stage 3 Easing of Restrictions brought forward to July 3 but it was important to still have a plan in place to ensure gyms and fitness facilities can continue to be a safe environment.

He added “gyms can be a COVID safe environment when strict measures are enforced to protect the health and safety of members and employees. Putting an industry plan in place for Stage 3 provides clarity for business owners and operators to continue to limit the risk of a second wave in Queensland.”

More information on Fitness Australia’s current Framework for Operations in the Fitness Industry Under COVID-19 Restrictions is available at fitness.org.au/covidsafetyplan

30th June 2020 - Queensland to reopen borders to all except Victorians

20th June 2020 - Queensland Government loosens Coronavirus restrictions to allow 10,000 fans in sporting venues

5th June 2020 - Approval of Industry Plan sets path for reopening of Queensland’s swimming pools and aquatic centres

15th June 2020 - Fitness Australia calls for national consistency in state government gym reopenings

14th June 2020 - Australian Institute of Fitness’ Steve Pettit says industry ‘will never look the same as it did pre COVID-19’

10th June 2020 - Fitness Australia releases new industry code of ethics

4th June 2020 - Industry plan prompts Queensland Government to allow fitness clubs to operate with more than 20 exercisers

4th June 2020 - Fitness First Australia announces reopening of all clubs

3rd June 2020 - Queensland’s Chief Health Officer approves Fitness Australia’s COVIDSafe industry plan

29th May 2020 - Fitness Australia releases Checklist to ensure gyms offer safe environments when reopening

26th May 2020 - Call for fitness industry stakeholders around the world to unite on 1st June

25th May 2020 - ASSA calls on Fair Work Commission to freeze Fitness Industry Award

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