Webinar to help gym sector reopen safely – Thursday 22 April 2021

Owners of gyms, pilates and yoga studios and indoor fitness centres can find out more about how to operate safely at an online event being held on Thursday, 22 April.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is holding a webinar for the indoor fitness sector at 10.30am on 22 April to outline new legal requirements, as well as what to do if there is an outbreak of COVID-19.

Gyms were permitted to reopen on 12 April and, subject to further easing of restrictions, indoor fitness classes can recommence on 17 May.

Topics to be covered include the rules on face coverings, collecting customer contact details, social distancing and hygiene, as well as how to look after staff facilities, like break rooms or toilets, and advice on vehicle sharing.

There will also be information about what to do if a member of staff tests positive for COVID-19 and a toolkit to help the employer through managing an outbreak, from employee testing and business contact tracing to self-isolation advice and information on financial support for people self-isolating.

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “It is very positive that COVID-19 infections have reduced to a stage where our high streets have re-opened and gyms and indoor fitness businesses can reopen too.

“We all need to play our part in keeping infection rates down and try to stay as healthy as possible. Keeping fit is vital for our health and wellbeing. Our own  health and wellbeing provider, Brio Leisure, has learned some valuable practical lessons in keeping staff and customers safe which will be shared in the Webinar as examples of good practice. 

Maria Byrne, Director of Environment and Communities, said: “Following webinars for the hospitality and personal care sectors, this new webinar, aimed at owners and managers of gyms and indoor fitness centres, will tell you everything you need to know to keep your premises safe, operating and infection free for staff and customers.”

The webinar will be streamed live online from 10.30am to 11.30am on Thursday , 22 April, or will be available to watch again later. For more information visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/gymwebinar.

For more information about support available for businesses, including contact tracing resources and advice on restrictions, visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/coronavirus and click on how to get help to find the support for businesses and employers section.