Edinburgh Evening News

When will gyms reopen in Scotland? Date leisure centres can open according to Covid lockdown roadmap

Edinburgh Evening News logo Edinburgh Evening News 15/04/2021 12:06:32 Chelsea Rocks
a person sitting on a motorcycle in front of a building © Gyms and fitness facilities could reopen in mid-April, but Covid-related rules could remain in place...

On 13 April, the First Minister announced the latest update on Scotland's route map out of lockdown, with no restrictions on travelling for exercise from April 16.

While the reopening of outdoor sports facilities was reintroduced in March, there will be a gradual reopening of gyms and indoor sports facilities.

While some services were allowed to open earlier than originally thought, the reopening of gyms has not been brought forward.

Here is when gyms can reopen and what rules may remain in place.

When will gyms reopen?

Gyms have been scheduled to reopen from 26 April for individual exercise, according to the new framework, which will see Scotland return to a levels system.

Group exercise in gyms and adult outdoor contact sport will be allowed from 17 May.

In addition to gyms, it's expected that non-essential retail, libraries, museums and galleries will also reopen at this stage.

Sturgeon said: On [26 April]... our expectation is that indoor gyms will also reopen for individual exercise.

She continued: "On 17 May, we also hope that adult outdoor contact sports and indoor group exercises can resume."

Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson pressed Sturgeon on the issue of reopening gyms earlier, touching on fears over women's safety which have dominated the news since the suspected murder of Sarah Everard.

She called for the reopening of gyms to be brought forward so women in particular can "get out of the house and do basic exercise without fear".

But Ms Sturgeon stated that the government had to make "careful, cautious, sensible and sometimes unpopular decisions" to make sure the exit from lockdown kept moving "steadily and in one direction".

When can people in Scotland exercise in groups outdoors?

Since 12 March, up to four adults from two households have been able to meet locally in any outdoor space, including in private gardens, for social and recreational purposes as well as exercise.

From Friday 16 April, this will be increased to the 'rule of six' for adults being able to meet up outdoors, children under 12 are not included in limits on groups.

Outdoor non-contact sports and group exercise have also been allowed for adults in groups of up to 15 people.

Young people aged 12 to 17 are also now able to participate in organised activities in groups of up to 15 and travel across into other local authorities to participate in organised activities.

From 17 May, all restrictions on exercise outdoors will be lifted, as a return to adult contact sport is expected.

What rules could be put in place in Scottish gyms?

Mainland Scotland, which is currently under level four lockdown measures, will initially drop to level three restrictions.

Level three restrictions previously included a reduced maximum capacity and booking system to trace everyone who attends, as well as a one-way system mapped out with signage.

Additionally, all classes were cancelled and people were not allowed to work out together indoors.

Face masks are likely to be required for walking around the gym floor and entering and exiting the gym.

The First Minister has said some changes to levelled restrictions could be introduced before the easing of restrictions, so some of these restrictions could change.

jeudi 15 avril 2021 15:06:32 Categories: Edinburgh Evening News

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