Victorian Government to allow reopening of Melbourne gyms but with restrictions that may make operations unviable

June 17, 2021

Forced to remain closed while other industries reopened in the past week, gyms and other indoor venues in Melbourne will be allowed to reopen as of midnight tonight under the Victorian Government’s latest easing of its Coronavirus restrictions.

However, the one person per four square metres rule applying and a maximum of 50 people indoors and no more than 10 people per group, the restrictions may well make operations unviable for Melbourne facilities.

Paul Guerra, the head of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said some business owners faced a scenario where they would incur losses if they remained closed, or opened with reduced numbers.

Vic Active spokesperson and gym owner, Tim Schleiger, said it was "simply not viable" for some larger venues to run group classes with a limit of 10 people.

Community sport will also resume operating in Melbourne after being ruled out for the past week.

Under the new rules, Melbourne-based hospitality venues have a 75-person indoor limit, while any nightclubs that choose to open can only allow 50 people inside.

Cinemas and theatres will only be able to seat 75 people, meaning another week of postponements for the large-scale production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

While overall numbers will be capped, Luna Park Executive Director Mary Stewart said she was "quite pleased" to be able to allow up to 1,000 people back this weekend.

Stewart told ABC Radio Melbourne "I think that we will hit the capacity limits, certainly during the school holidays for some days.”

From Friday, Victorians will have complete freedom of movement with the 25-kilometre travel radius being removed while changes to mask rules will only require their being worn outdoors when social distancing is impossible.

Regional Victoria will be able to ease its restrictions further from Friday.

Restaurants and cafes can move to 300 people per venue for seated service and smaller venues will be allowed to host up to 25 people before applying the density quota. Outdoor gatherings can be increased to 50 people.

16th June 2021 - COVID-19 lockdown sees AFL move Melbourne fixtures to Tasmania

15th June 2021 - Uncertainty over return of crowds at regional Victorian sporting leagues

12th June 2021 - Fitness business experts share thoughts on the significance of Global Wellness Day

11th June 2021 - National Aquatic Industry Committee advises on conditions for swim teachers, lifeguards and instructors affected by Victoria’s lockdowns

9th June 2021 - Fitness Australia and Vic Active demand exercise facilities be allowed to open in regional Victoria

9th June 2021 - Lockdown easing allows brothels to reopen in regional Victoria under same terms as gyms, aquatic facilities and entertainment venues

8th June 2021 - Victoria’s Chief Health Officer warns of no large crowds when Melbourne lockdown ends

4th June 2021 - Fitness Australia asks why Victoria’s Chief Health Officer is again targeting gyms

3rd June 2021 - Victorian lockdown impacts the aquatic industry

2nd June 2021 - Melbourne’s stage three lockdown to be extended for another week while restrictions to ease in regional Victoria

1st June 2021 - Victorian lockdown leads to fitness industry losses in excess of $10 million

31st May 2021 - Bendigo gym returns to online classes through Victoria’s latest Coronavirus lockdown

28th May 2021 - Fourth COVID lockdown ‘a monumental kick in the guts’ for Victorian fitness operators

27th May 2021 - Fitness Australia urges locked down Victorians not to forget the importance of physical activity

27th May 2021 - Victoria Government announces seven-day lockdown

26th May 2021 - New global research highlights role of technology in the fitness industry

9th April 2021 - Victorian Government raises Coronavirus capacity limits for concerts, gyms, sporting venues, cinemas and museums

26th March 2021 - Federal Government announces $20 million relief package for independent cinemas

17th November 2020 - Fitness Australia Chief Executive questions why gyms must close but pubs can stay open

29th November 2019 - Luna Park Melbourne introduces new rides for summer

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