CIMSPA responds to the Government’s announcement on reopening the fitness and leisure sector

The Prime Minister today announced a date of 25 July for indoor gyms, leisure facilities and swimming pools to reopen in England, with outdoor pools able to reopen from the 11th July.

It comes after the Prime Minister indicated gyms could reopen this month.

Commenting on the announcement, Tara Dillon, CIMSPA CEO, said:

“We are delighted that the sector in England has finally been given the go-ahead to reopen indoor sports, fitness and leisure facilities. The hundreds of thousands of dedicated people who work in the sector can now plan to get back to work safely and help millions of people to stay fit and healthy, which in itself is one of the best ways to combat the threat of Covid-19. The reopening of outdoor swimming pools from this weekend is also good news for the sector and the public.

“This is a sector that creates enormous economic, health, social and community benefits, but it’s one of the last to reopen. This has created huge financial challenges and we will continue to work with our partners to urge the Government to provide additional targeted financial support to protect businesses and the workforce, especially the many public leisure facilities which are at serious risk of closure.”

“We are also in close consultation with the Government on the potential to increase the numbers that can take part in group training outdoors, with social distancing.” CIMSPA will be working closely with DCMS, Sport England, CLUK, ukactive and others to support the whole sector in reopening safely.