AusLeisure

Fitness Australia has received confirmation that Melbourne gyms and fitness facilities will reopen from Monday 26th October with certain restrictions in place provided key trigger points are met.

Regional Victoria facilities may be able to reopen earlier subject to trigger points and public health advice.

Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish advised that the confirmation follows the weekend roadmap announcement by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, which did not provide clarity on the dates and restrictions for the industry to reopen.

Elvish notes that although the restrictions are still to be determined “Fitness Australia also welcomed the verbal confirmation we received that the industry will be engaged to develop protocols and procedures for reopening and we are looking forward to working with the Victorian Government in coming weeks.

“We know gyms can open and operate safely with a robust COVID-Safe plan in place. We have successfully achieved this in Queensland with the endorsement and state-wide implementation of a Fitness Australia-led Fitness Industry COVID Safe Plan and need to make this a priority in Victoria.”

Elvish highlights that the mental and physical health of Victorians had suffered during isolation, job losses and continued uncertainty and getting people back to the gym safely to resume an exercise routine was essential, adding “fitness facilities and gyms are an essential service and we cannot underestimate the vital role they play in managing and maintaining mental health, physical health and wellbeing.”

Fitness Australia will continue to work with Victorian authorities to provide further reopening information to the fitness industry over the coming weeks.

Australasian Leisure Management understands that the 26th October reopening also applies to indoor aquatic and sport facilities.

Image of Fitness First staff conducting temperature checks. Courtesy of Fitness First Australia

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