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Gyms reopening announcement: What did Oliver Dowden say in his speech today?
REOPENING dates for gyms, swimming pools and nail bars have finally been revealed.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced further relaxation of coronavirus lockdown measures on July 9.
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When time was Oliver Dowden's announcement on gyms reopening?
Gyms and leisure centres were given the green light to reopen within days, on July 9, as Mr Dowden made his announcement at Downing Street at 5pm.
The Culture Secretary revealed that gyms and swimming pools could safely resume operations from July 25.
In his speech, he said: "The reopening of gyms is the news millions across the country have been waiting for with many people desperate to jump on a spinning bike or dive into a pool."
He added: "Our comprehensive guidance will ensure gyms, pools and leisure centres have the support they need to reopen safely for their customers and staff."
Gyms have been closed since the nation went into lockdown on March 23.
They were unable to open on July 4 along with pubs, restaurants and other venues, because it was believed they had an extra risk.
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What did Oliver Dowden announce?
During his speech on July 9, Mr Dowden confirmed gyms will open in "days".
He also outlined a plan for other sectors that are yet to reopen, including nail bars, swimming pools and tattoo parlours.
Full list of businesses Mr Dowden announced will reopen this July:
- Outdoor pools (July 11)
- Beauty salons (July 13)
- Tattoo parlours (July 13)
- Grassroot sports (July 13)
- Indoor gyms (July 25)
- Indoors pools (July 25)
- Indoor sports facilities (July 25)
On gyms reopening, the Culture Secretary said: "Helping people return to gyms safely will also help the nation get match-fit to defeat this virus."
He also set out a number of guidelines these facilities will have to abide by.
These include:
- Limiting the number of people using the facility at any one time.
- Reducing class sizes and allowing sufficient time between each class.
- Ensuring an appropriate number of people are in a swimming pool at any one time.
- Spacing out equipment or taking some out of service to maintain social distancing.
- Enhanced cleaning and providing hand sanitiser throughout venues;
- Considering how the way people walk through their venue could be adjusted to reduce contact, with queue management or one-way systems.
- Ensuring adequate ventilation.
- Encouraging the use of outdoor spaces for individual, team or group activities.
- Exercise or dance studios should have temporary floor markings.
- Customers and staff should be encouraged to shower and change at home wherever possible, although changing rooms will be available.
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LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS
What new measures will be in place in gyms?
When gyms do reopen, it is expected to be with a set of strict guidelines to help prevent the transmission of the virus.
This includes limiting the number of people allowed to work out and equipment being thoroughly disinfected after each use.
Changing rooms could also be closed and gym-goers will be told to arrive and leave in the same clothes.
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The Gym Group has offered a glimpse into how the gym floor will look once it opens.
Customers will be asked to spend no more than 45 minutes working out and will have screens around treadmills with some equipment being turned off completely.
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