Some good news today, as Liverpool gyms have been allowed to reopen.
Credit: PA
Metro Mayor Rotherham has confirmed this today, after Whitehall bosses listened to issues brought forwards regarding the closure of gyms.
Lancashire, who is in a similar lockdown situation, were not made to close their gyms, which Rotherham brought up to leaders.
Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Rotheram read a statement on behalf of the region’s local leaders, saying: “On behalf of the leaders and MPs I entered into further talks with 10 Downing Street to highlight the inconsistencies of the measures.
“We’ve consistently asked for the science behind the suite of measures.
“Talks continued late into last night and the government have agreed to bring us in line with other Tier 3 areas.
“This means that soft play areas will close, but gyms could reopen.”
These actions follow controversy surrounding the closure of gyms in the case of a coronavirus spike, where a petition has gained more than 370k signatures of people who agree gyms should stay open in the event of a local lockdown.
The public was also angered after a Liverpool gym was fined £1000 for staying open, despite warnings from police. We covered this previously, and the gym owner raised north of £30,000 via GoFundMe to help him support himself and his business, in the event he was made to stay closed for a long time.
The main argument about keeping gyms open is that it keeps money flowing in the industry, and more importantly, it benefits peoples physical and mental health, and that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Leisure industry body UKactive seem to agree with this, saying in a statement earlier this week: “The Government simply cannot afford to close gyms and leisure centres again. To do so would threaten permanent business failure and substantial job losses.
“Furthermore, closures could damage the health of the nation and weaken the public health recovery from Covid-19.
“In this health crisis, our national and local leadership needs these essential facilities more than ever.”
