Why gyms are closed but you can buy takeaways

HEALTH Minister Vaughan Gething has explained why gyms remain closed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

At Monday’s Welsh Government’s coronavirus briefing, Mr Gething was asked why members of the public are unable to use sports and fitness facilities, while fast food chains remain open for takeaway.

Wales remains in coronavirus alert level four, which means gyms – along with swimming pools, fitness studios, sports courts, enclosed pitches and golf courses – are closed.

Mr Gething said: “I understand there are many sectors who would point to the fact that their area of activity makes a relatively modest contribution to the transmission rate.

“At the start of this [press conference], we were talking about the high coronavirus numbers, the pressure on our NHS, we’re talking about whether we’ll need to take extraordinary measures to change the way that schools operate.

“It would be an unusual thing, I think, to open up other areas of activity while we’re contemplating further restrictions, because the continuing impact of coronavirus within our communities.

“This is difficult for all of us. I recognise it’s physical and mental health wellbeing that gyms can provide.

“I understand the people who work in those gyms, who run those businesses, who are keen to get back, and I recognise that the sector has made great efforts to try to be as Covid-secure as possible, but we’re in an unprecedented pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 3,500 of our citizens.

“There are around 2,700 Welsh people in hospital beds today, we are operating critical care at about 140% of its usual capacity.

“That is why extraordinary measures are being taken and I hope that people – whether you own a gym or use one or not – but across the whole public will understand why these extraordinary measures are in place.”