The announcement follows months of ongoing engagement between Fitness Australia and the NSW government to ensure gyms can operate while ensuring the health and safety of members and staff.

From tomorrow, Friday 23 October gyms will only be required to have a COVID Marshal in attendance if there are more than 20 people in the gym at one time, a move Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said has been extremely welcomed by the industry.

Mr Elvish said:

“We are thrilled with yesterday’s announcement by the NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet on the easing of COVID Marshal requirements for gyms. This is a an extremely successful outcome of our continued collaboration with the NSW Government to work through options for the fitness industry that not only allow people to safely exercise in a fitness facility but also ensure the commercial viability of thousands of businesses.”

“The relaxation of COVID Marshals means gyms can now sustainably operate during their usual hours of operation. This is especially important for 24-hour gyms, which can now provide a round-the-clock safe service without the added cost of employing a COVID Marshal to be in attendance at all times.

“Gyms and fitness facilities will still be required to have a COVID Marshal during ‘peak’ times when there are more than 20 people in the gym.”

Fitness Australia has been working collaboratively with the NSW Government, including Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and the NSW Ministry of Health, during the pandemic to represent its members and ensure the industry has input and consultation on a range of COVID-Safe protocols and requirements.

Mr Elvish said:

“It’s fantastic to be working effectively with the Government and the NSW Ministry of Health on developing and implementing COVID-Safe practices that protect our community while allowing them to go about their usual lives as much as possible.”