AusLeisure

Fitness First has announced that it has introduced of temperature checks for members as they enter their clubs in NSW.

Having been forced to temporarily close three of its Sydney clubs over the past fortnight after their use by members infected with COVID-19, Fitness First’s move follows similar action by other NSW gyms.

Commenting on the extra safety measures enhance the chain’s existing safety and hygiene protocols, David Aitchison, General Manager at Fitness First Australia, advised “a fever is one of the first recognisable symptoms of COVID-19 so if a reading comes back with an elevated temperature, we will ask that person to leave our facilities and seek medical attention.

“While the measure is currently not compulsory, we strongly encourage all people visiting Fitness First clubs to comply to help keep our community safe.

“All Fitness First clubs currently have strict cleaning and safety protocols in place in compliance with the NSW Health Department guidelines. However, as one of the largest health and fitness brands in the country, we feel it was our duty to go above and beyond the current Government requirements, to ensure the protection of our members and staff. Additionally, all Fitness First staff have been encouraged to wear masks. We will also be making masks available for members and visitors. We fully support all businesses in NSW that are encouraging staff and customers to wear masks.

“With community transmission on the rise in NSW, it is extremely important that we do everything we possibly can to protect the health and safety of our members. We recognise the importance of exercise for both body and mind, and want to ensure our members feel confident in continuing to return to the gym, as it remains a safe environment.

“We are aware that in keeping our clubs safe and hygienic for everyone, the gym experience may feel a little different. We have been extremely impressed by the response of our staff and members - and 70% of our members have stated they feel cleaning at Fitness First is superior.”

Backing Fitness First’s move, Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish added “Fitness Australia has been working very closely with the industry and governments to ensure best practice health and hygiene procedures are in place across member gyms and fitness facilities.

“We applaud Fitness First on the introduction of temperature checks across their NSW clubs as an additional measure to ensure the safety of all members and staff.

“Across the industry many operators are going above and beyond what is required by Health authorities and this decision by Fitness First is an excellent example of putting health and safety interests first to ensure gyms can continue to safely operate and provide a vital service to the community.”

Images: Member temperature check (top) and equipment cleaning (below) at Fitness First gyms. Courtesy of Fitness First.

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