Gyms stay open despite UK coronavirus lockdown and PM warning Brits should avoid going out
GYMS are still open today despite Boris Johnson urging Brits to avoid going out as he put the UK on a coronavirus lockdown.
Big chains including Pure Gym and The Gym remain open despite increasing pressure to close.
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Gyms in Spain, France, Italy and parts of the US have shut their doors following the deadly bug outbreak which has claimed 55 lives in the UK.
Dr Norman Swan last week warned that gyms are “high risk” locations where the disease can easily spread.
However, Pure Gym confirmed their doors will remain open despite the Prime Minister telling Brits to “avoid all non-essential social contact”.
The gym said online: “Following the official update yesterday we are planning to keep our gyms open, however we will communicate to members our procedural changes later today.”
PANDEMIC
One twitter user hit back: “We are in the midst of a global pandemic and an unprecedented health crisis. All non-essential social contact must be stopped immediately to save lives.
“Close your gyms, freeze membership prices as a goodwill gesture and upload home exercise videos. Be responsible and save lives.”
Clare Gaba added: “This is totally irresponsible of you Pure – it’s a known fact that gyms are one of the worst places for it right now - esp Finchley which is dirty and understaffed.
“We all need to be exercising outside or at home #COVID2019.”
Close your gyms, freeze membership prices as a goodwill gesture and upload home exercise videos. Be responsible and save lives
Colin Millar
A spokesman from The Gym also confirmed they are staying open during the pandemic.
They said: “At The Gym Group the welfare of our members is of the utmost importance to us.
“We are reviewing the coronavirus situation regularly and are following the advice and guidance of Public Health England (PHE) and Health Protection Scotland (HPS).
“Our gyms remain open and we’ve made some changes to our cleaning routines to ensure your workout session is as safe as possible.”
AVOID GOING OUT
Mr Johnson yesterday said more than a million people should stay inside their homes for 12 weeks and everyone else must avoid going out.
In dramatic actions not seen since World War Two, the PM drastically ramped up Britain's battleplan - shutting down mass gatherings and urging everyone to stop non-essential travel and contact with others.
He said that means all Brits (around 66million people) staying out of pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas for weeks - and potentially months into the summer.
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All who can can should work from home, he said.
The over 70s, those who are pregnant, and anyone with underlying health conditions (around 20million Brits) should try not to leave their homes if they can, and avoid crowded spaces immediately.
This will continue for the "long haul" - likely weeks or months.
