COVID-positive gym member did NOT spread the virus at Les Mills New Zealand club due to robust operating protocols
by Tom Walker | 02 Oct 2020
A COVID-19 positive gym member visited a club on consecutive days without infecting anyone while on site – further evidence that protocols at fitness facilities are maintaining them as safe spaces.
The unnamed healthcare worker visited Les Mills Takapuna club in Auckland, New Zealand on 9 September and 10 September – and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.
While at the club, the person attended three group exercise classes – a Bodycombat class on both days, as well as a "Spring" class on 9 September.
After the positive test, The Ministry of Health identified 86 people who had come to close contact with the person – all who have since returned negative test results.
The instructors who took the classes have also tested negative for COVID-19.
"In total, 255 casual contacts were also tested and they all returned a negative result," Les Mills said in a statement.
"In total, 341 negative test results have been returned, which is a testament to the distancing and cleaning efforts members are making, as well as the deep cleaning and other protective measures we have put in place."
Les Mills added that, after being notified of the positive test on 13 September, it worked closely with Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) to identify the time periods the person had spent at the club.
This helped the authorities act swiftly to conduct a contact tracing process.
"Due to the number of deep cleans that had been conducted since the infected person was at the club, and the cleaning undertaken in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines, ARPHS advised us that it was not necessary to close the club and that the club was safe to attend.
"However, still we conducted an additional full deep clean in the club followed by an anti-viral fogging treatment."
• To read more about the positive case and Les Mills' reaction to it, click here.
COVID-19 gym New Zealand Les Mills Takapuna Auckland
While at the club, the positive member attended three group classes Credit: Les Mills
30 Sep 2020
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A COVID-19 positive gym member visited a club on consecutive days without infecting anyone while on site – further evidence that protocols at fitness facilities are maintaining them as safe spaces. The unnamed healthcare worker visited Les Mills Takapuna club in Auckland, New Zealand on 9 September and 10 September – and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. While at the club, the person attended three group exercise classes – a
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