Duncan Bannatyne hopes to reopen his 72 gyms with smaller classes and limited equipment
EX-DRAGONS’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne hopes to reopen his 72-strong gym chain with smaller classes and less equipment in use.
The fitness magnate, 71, said strict social distancing and extra cleaning will be in place, with class numbers “reduced to about ten”.
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Gyms have been closed across the UK since the Covid-19 lockdown began back in March.
Speaking in a Youtube interview, he said: “Our safety measures include ensuring we have an absolute number of people per square metre within the health club.
“We will stop classes if we believe classes are causing it, so we won’t have a room full of 20 or 30 people doing aerobics. If we still feel that’s not right we will cancel all classes.”
He also said some equipment would be taped off to keep people apart and that a one-way system would also be put in place to limit contact.
Last month, Bannatyne quit the UK's coronavirus lockdown and jetted to his £3million Portugal villa after furloughing 2,500 staff.
He flew by private jet to his getaway on the Algarve with his wife, Nigora, 40.
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The multi-millionaire businessman insisted he had "repatriated" home and would be spending 14 days in self-quarantine.
The couple's villa is on the exclusive Val do Lobo resort on the Algarve.
He counts Portugal as his main home, but also owns a villa in Miami.
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