Gyms can finally reopen ‘in a couple of weeks’, Boris Johnson announces

Boris Johnson has said that gyms will be able to reopen in the next few weeks.

Speaking on LBC this morning, the Prime Minister said: “We are going to reopen gyms as soon as we can do it in a Covid-secure way and I think that the date for reopening gyms at the moment, if we can do it, is in just a couple of weeks’ time.

“The best way forward for the country is to get the economy moving again. We want to get every part of our industry, including theatres, that are so vital.”

During the interview, Boris was asked why people can go to pubs and restaurants but not the gym. He replied: “People, I think, listening to this debate do know the answer to that, and that is to stop the spread of the disease.”

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, wrote on Twitter that: “Many people keen to hit the gym & keeping Britain fit is key in Covid battle.

“We’ve made lots of progress & I know steps businesses have taken to make their spaces & equipment safe. Subject to public health, our aspiration is to reopen gyms & leisure facilities in mid-July.”

Huw Edwards, the chief executive of UK Active, which represents thousands of gyms and leisure centres, said: “Many people will be understandably frustrated by the decision not to reopen the fitness and leisure sector from 4 July”.

He added: “Our sector’s safety standards are among the highest in Europe, where other nations have already reopened their gyms and leisure facilities safely.

“We have invited Government and health officials to visit any of the hundreds of gym and leisure centre show sites across the country, and witness how facilities would operate with thorough social distancing measures and hygiene standards in place.

“Any further delay to our reopening will threaten our nation’s recovery from Covid-19. With obesity the second largest cause of hospitalisation from this virus, gyms and leisure centres are equipped to not only combat Covid-19, but to support rehabilitation for those recovering from the virus.”

In lockdown personal trainers have been able to provide one-on-one training with clients outside and at a distance.

Many gyms have issued statements that they are ready to open, including PureGym, The Gym and David Lloyd.