Gyms and leisure centres could reopen from the start of July

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced in yesterday’s daily coronavirus briefing that gyms and leisure centres could reopen from the start of July “at the very earliest”.
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The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced in yesterday’s (Wednesday, June 17) coronavirus daily briefing that gyms and leisure centres could possibly open at the start of July “at the very earliest”.

Leisure centres across the country have been closed since Monday, March 23 when the coronavirus lockdown was introduced.

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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said gyms and leisures could possibly reopen from the start of July "at the earliest". Photo: PixabayCulture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said gyms and leisures could possibly reopen from the start of July "at the earliest". Photo: Pixabay
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said gyms and leisures could possibly reopen from the start of July "at the earliest". Photo: Pixabay
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Outdoor sports where social distancing can be maintained have been permitted since May when restrictions started to ease.

With the return of Premier League football taking place last night, Oliver Dowden acknowledged that many others will be keen to get back into sports.

He said at the Downing Street briefing: “I know that countless people are itching to get back to their gyms, their leisure centres, their five-a-side leagues and all the other normal fitness activities.”

The Culture Secretary also confirmed that the Government is working closely with the sport sector to ensure reopenings are as smooth as possible.

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He added: “We’re working closely with the sector to get grassroots and community sport back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so.

“The aim is the start of July at the very earliest.”

Many have took part in home workouts during the lockdown period to maintain their fitness.

The Body Coach, Joe Wicks, introduced “P.E with Joe Wicks” as a way of keeping the nation fit.

On Monday, June 15, he announced that the workouts will be reducing to three-a-week as lockdown measures continue to ease.

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When Prime Minister Boris Johnson initially announced the ‘roadmap’ for easing of lockdown measures, it had been reported that gyms would not be likely to reopen until October.

The next stage of lockdown easing is expected to take place on July 4 and many hairdressers, hotels, cinemas and holiday parks are preparing to open with social distancing measures in place.

Some international travel is expected to resume in July with Ryanair, Easyjet and other airlines restarting flights to Europe.

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