June 4, 2020
Gyms will be able to open their doors for more than 20 people if they comply with a Fitness Industry COVID Safe Plan.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles announced the change on Thursday.
Under the plan, more people will be able to be in gyms while adhering to strict social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
“Physical activity plays such an important role in the lives of Queenslanders,” Mr Miles said.
“This approved plan will ensure we can all get back to the gym in a safe way.
“The plan helps gyms, fitness centres and health clubs demonstrate that they operate safely and can service more customers than outlined in the current roadmap.”
Sports Minister Mick de Brenni said fitness businesses wanting to exceed the current limit of 20 people on site would be required to comply with the approved industry plan, while still maintaining required social distancing.
“The approval of the industry plan is a great result for the fitness sector who really just want to get back to the business of providing facilities and training for Queenslanders looking to keep fit,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Even the biggest branded gyms are typically owned by small and family business operators.
“They collectively employ more than 8000 Queenslanders, so getting them up and running and their staff back to work again is an important step in our economic recovery.”
Mr de Brenni said an Industry COVID Safe Plan for field sports had also received sign off from Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young.
“While gyms have been the first cab off the rank with their COVID Safe industry plan, field sports have also received sign off to get back into action with arrangements that allow more people to get out on to the field safely,” he said.
“The remaining sport and recreation sectors can have confidence around the viability of their return to play arrangements which are currently under review.
“I want to commend the sport, recreation and fitness industry leadership, represented through the Return to Play Advisory Group, for their collaboration with the Chief Health Office that will see the sign off on more COVID Safe industry plans in coming days.”
More information for sport, recreation and fitness organisations can be found online
Further information for businesses on COVID Safe plans is available on the State Government’s COVID-19 website
