Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

New COVID restrictions see South Australian gyms restricted to one person for every seven square metres

New COVID restrictions see South Australian gyms restricted to one person for every seven square metres
December 27, 2021

A rise in Coronavirus infections has seen South Australian Premier Steven Marshall tighten venue density limits and reduce family gathering sizes.

A range of new restrictions were announced for South Australia, beginning from 11.59pm on Sunday that include indoor hospitality having to operate a one person per four square metre rule, outdoor activities will be allowed one person for every two square metres and family gatherings reduced from 30 to 10 people.

South Australians have also been encouraged to work from home and reduce travel.

However, the most severe restrictions have been applied to gyms and fitness centres which have returned to having to operate at one person for every seven square metres.

Premier Marshall said he would move quickly to ensure new daily infections wouldn’t descend into the thousands over the coming days and weeks, advising “we are increasingly concerned about the new Omicron variant

“It will overwhelm our health system and seriously undermine our workforce’s ability to respond to this Omicron outbreak.”

The restriction on fitness facilities has seen reports that operators are pleading for financial support from the South Australian Government.

As reported by Adelaide newspaper The Advertiser, David Craggs, Managing Director of BioFit at Noarlunga, stated “there’s frustration with the situation but we totally understand we are businesses that are bringing people together and that’s what they’re trying to limit,” he said.

Craggs advised that the facility, that operates in a near 800 metre² space, will continue to operate but acknowledged that some in the industry do not have the space to comply with the new restrictions.

Craggs said there had already been a downturn, and called for urgent financial assistance for affected businesses.

“as a small business … how do we get through the coming months if every other day we’re having to change our operations or shut for a few days?

“Our running costs don’t change. We’ve got our set costs to run the facility and I guess what we’re starting to see now is an element of risk mitigation by individuals.

“So that’s led to a downturn in income … that’s understandable, but we need help.”

The Advertiser reported that other fitness operators have been forced to close their doors temporarily because of COVID-19 exposures.

Related Articles

24th December 2021 - Fitness businesses recognised at Business Australia’s Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards

22nd December 2021 - Fernwood Fitness innovates with new fusion studios

21st December 2021 - Genesis Health and Fitness commences national roll out of Reformer Pilates classes

20th December 2021 - Snap Fitness looks to ongoing innovation to drive future growth

6th December 2021 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group’s new technology roles to focus on ‘innovative and interactive customer experiences’

30th November 2021 - PureGym study reveals weighted hula hoops and animal inspired HIIT among top fitness trends for 2022

25th November 2021 - With a new vision for health and wellbeing Fitness Australia announces rebranding as AUSactive

23rd November 2021 - Australian Institute of Fitness predicts top 10 fitness trends for 2022

25th October 2021 - IHRSA 2021 ignites fitness industry comeback

21st October 2021 - 2021 Fitness Australia Award winners announced

2nd June 2021 - South Australian and Federal Government back Adelaide sport arena developments

17th April 2021 - South Australian Government outlines new strategic vision for sport and recreation

20th November 2020 - Gyms, recreation facilities and entertainment venues to reopen as South Australian Government reverses lockdown measures

16th November 2020 - South Australian second wave Coronavirus shutdown impacts gyms and recreational facilities

16th November 2020 - Record number of South Australian sporting clubs secure COVID recovery grants


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Sportybots

We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…

read more

Fitness / Play / Recreation / Sport / Wellness

 
 

InterQuad (International Quadratics) 

InterQuad (International Quadratics)  With a combined legacy spanning over 150 years, International Quadratics (founded in 1976) and Pierce Pool Supplies (originally established in 1898 as A H…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

BH Fitness

BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

AMPD Academy

Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Education / Recreation / Safety

 
 

The Jump Pad

The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Play

 
 

Smart Connection Consultancy

Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…

read more

Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 

Myzone

Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org  Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business