Breaking: Gyms can stay open in tier 3 areas
In breaking news, HCM understands the UK government has removed gyms and fitness facilities from the baseline measures for future tier 3 closures.
This means that gyms and leisure centres will no longer be forced to automatically close in areas deemed "very high risk" (or tier 3) in the government's three-tier COVID-19 alert system.
The move comes after it was revealed that the gym closures in the first area to be classified as tier 3 – Liverpool – were agreed specifically for that city, but that gyms had then wrongly been included in the "baseline list" for all further tier 3 actions.
An updated version of the regulations for tier 3 has now been created and removed gyms from the baseline measures, by taking them off the list (in paragraph 19(4).
Gym closures will, however, still apply in the Liverpool area, as originally announced.
The government still retains the power to add gyms on the list of businesses to close in any area classed as tier 3, but this would be done following consultation with – and where possible, agreement with – local authorities.
The "clerical error" in the drafting of tier 3 baseline measures is the latest mix up in the government's crisis-ridden dealings with COVID-19 restrictions.
It is also unclear why it has taken the government more than a week to correct the perception that gyms should automatically close at tier 3.
That misperception led to gym operators threatening to take legal action against the government. to defend the industry.
HCM editor, Liz Terry, said: "It's good news that we now have clarity on the tier 3 baseline measures and grateful thanks go to industry leaders who have been lobbying hard for clarity on this.
"Now it's time to move to position the gym industry in its rightful place.
"We are a highly professional sector, operating regulated environments and we have clear and compelling evidence to prove we can operate with no community transmission.
"Gyms are not where transmisison is happening – this is happening in unregulated environments, such as homes and social settings.
"We need to lobby to be recognised as offering regulated environments – the language around this is very important.
"Looking at the wider picture, the health service has two primary priorities – prevention and protection.
"Gyms are acknowledged as contributing to prevention, but we are not currently seen as having any part to play in protection.
"Due to the pandemic, protection is the current priority for the NHS and directors of public health, and so this is leaving us on the sidelines, when we should be a major player.
"This is because, as it's clear that as regulated environments, gyms can support in relation to both prevention AND protection.
"HCM believes the industry needs to lobby to be 'reclassified' as delivering regulated environments that can contribute to prevention and protection.
"Only then, will we be in a position where our mission is truly recognised and our future is aligned with our purpose."
fitness gyms leisure centres tier 3 COVID-19Gyms WILL stay open in Lancashire as it goes into tier 3 lockdown
UK government's "Dad's Army" shambles could result in legal action over gym closures
PureGym considers legal action as UK fitness industry fights back against forced closures in Liverpool
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
