As Covid-19 cases across Victoria continue to decrease, there are urgent calls for health and fitness facilities including personal training to be reclassified as an essential service ahead of Stage 3 restrictions to help Victorians look after their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish has penned an open letter to Professor Brett Sutton, Victorian Chief Health Officer, in which he challenges the claims that gyms are a “known high risk setting” and “cause outbreaks”.
Elvish described the claims as ‘devastating’ for the businesses being destroyed and for fitness industry professionals.
“Devastating, because collectively the fitness sector across Australia has been working with all state governments and health departments to develop Covid-safe protocols designed to provide a safe and hygienic environment for gym members and minimise any risks associated with their return to exercise.
“Devastating, because data collected by Fitness Australia in NSW since reopening in mid-June showed more than 7 million visits over 500 facilities with no confirmed community transmissions (“outbreaks”) to date, not one.”
Elvish called on Prof. Sutton to back up his comments with data that shows any outbreaks caused by gym attendance.
“Given your comments about the importance of using data to make decisions, if you are aware of any contrary data showing gyms “cause outbreaks” please share it with us so that we can make our Covid-safe protocols even more effective,” he said.
“I am not so imprudent to believe that at some time in the future there may be some community transmission within an exercise facility but the data to date indicates that with good protocols, and positive adherence to them by all stakeholders, gyms can be indeed low risk.”
Elvish has previously suggested gyms, health clubs, fitness centres and studios such as yoga, Pilates and barre should not be classified within the current ‘physical recreational facilities’ category. Instead he suggests they should be reclassified and allowed to operate in the same way osteopathy, physiotherapy, dietetics and mental health services are permitted to function.
“For many people in our community, especially those managing a range of physical and mental health issues, going to the gym, completing regular sessions with a personal trainer or participating in a live or virtual class are seen as an essential support service. Yet under the current classification, the industry is restricted from providing this vital support service.”
Elvish wants the issues to be straightened out before Victoria eases restrictions.
“The focus needs to be on the health and wellbeing of all Victorians and the current Stage 4 and Stage 3 restrictions deem access to health and fitness services non-essential and prohibited.
“By working with Fitness Australia, the Victorian Government can continue to promote the overall health and safety of the community, not just when it comes to protecting them during a pandemic.”
