Gym set to defy closure orders

THE ban on gyms opening without supervision defies “logic, compassion or common sense” and an eastern shore gym and aquatic centre will reopen around the clock regardless of regulations.

Dean Ewington, managing director of Oceana Aquatic and Fitness and a Clarence City councillor, said he and about 12 other gym owners met with Public Health and Workplace Standards staff on Thursday about the issue.

“Our expectation was what we would be provided with a road map on when that may be able to happen, unfortunately we left the meeting

none the wiser,” he said. “Which doesn’t make any sense when our industry already is exceeding the COVID-safe policies.

“This is simply not good enough and is unfortunately symptomatic of the many inconsistencies in COVID policy and a lack of transparency and rationality around many public-health decisions that are wreaking havoc on Tasmanian

businesses and the wider population.”

Sporting and gym facilities must have at least one staff member present to supervise the premises at all times while it is being used.

Mr Ewington said he had heard of at least one gym where owners had resorted to living in their premises to allow 24-hour access for members. He said he would openly defy current regulations and reopen Oceana 24/7 from September 19.

“We simply have to learn to live with the virus, not continue this charade of eradication and locking everything up,” he said.

“It’s now time that our leaders acknowledged that and did their job, eased restrictions and clearly outlined the plan for fully opening our fitness clubs, other businesses (and) borders.”

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said work was being done with gyms to allow them to open without staff members present. “If they indicate agreement that they will meet enhanced cleaning requirements they will be able to open 24 hours a day,” Dr Veitch said.

“Gyms have been identified as high-risk settings for coronavirus infection.

Public Health is working with Sport and Recreation and Worksafe Tasmania to develop a fact sheet that lays out the requirements for enhanced cleaning.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said comments about noncompliance were “disappointing.”

“I’d say to any business owner, please work with us because what we’re attempting to do is to protect your clients who are part of your community and it also protects your business,” he said.

THIS IS SIMPLY NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND IS UNFORTUNATELY SYMPTOMATIC OF THE MANY INCONSISTENCIES IN COVID POLICY AND A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND RATIONALITY AROUND MANY PUBLIC HEALTH DECISIONS

OCEANA AQUATIC AND FITNESS OWNER DEAN EWINGTON