Minister says gyms will close in Greater Manchester under tier 3

Robert Jenrick has said he believes gyms in Greater Manchester will have to close when the tier 3 restrictions come into play.

Appearing on Sky News, communities secretary Robert Jenrick said he believed gyms in Greater Manchester will have to close as it adopts the same model as Lancashire.

However, the tier 3 restrictions in Lancashire have allowed gyms to stay open. In Liverpool, which is also under tier, gyms have been forced to close.

Kay Burley asked Jenrick what the situation would be, he said: “I think that gyms are being asked to close but you’ll have to look in gov.uk when the regulations are published.”

He added: “But we’ve adopted the same model as Lancashire as the nearest neighbour of Greater Manchester.”

The actual regulations that will come into play from 00:01 Friday 23rd are yet to be published. However, Boris Johnson said yesterday the region would have the same restrictions as Lancashire, meaning gyms could stay open.

Manchester Council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health, Well-being and Inclusion, Bev Craig wrote on Twitter: “Not that I know of? Maybe read your brief before you go on the telly. Only 3 areas in tier 3, shouldn’t be that hard really. Simplify the rules they said…”

She has later deleted the tweet and added: “Nothing I’ve seen in GM mentions gyms, nor did the Prime Minister.

“Gyms should stay open in Greater Manchester: I hope the Govt don’t backtrack on this and make things even more confusing and inconsistent.”

Boris Johnson announced Tier 3 in Greater Manchester yesterday after a break down of talks with mayor Andy Burnham and other leaders. 

Matt Hancock confirmed in the House of Commons that the £60m in additional support ‘remains on the table’, despite Boris Johnson confirming a £22m support package for the region in the press conference yesterday.

As of Friday, October 23rd, pubs and bars that do not serve food, as well as bookies and soft play areas, will have to close their doors for 28 days.