Following Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s announcement yesterday for Stage 3 Easing of Restrictions from 3 July, Fitness Australia is calling on the Queensland Government to release the Industry COVID-Safe Plan quickly to ensure the continued health and safety of all fitness facility members and employees.

Since Queensland gyms reopened earlier last month, Fitness Australia has been working with the Queensland Government to develop an Industry COVID-Safe Plan and checklist for businesses and operators within the fitness industry. The Stage 2 plan was the first industry plan to be approved in the state, which allowed gyms and fitness facilities to operate with greater numbers.

Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said an Industry COVID-Safe Plan for Stage 3 was equally as important to ensure fitness facilities were adhering to continued health and safety procedures, especially with clusters of cases on the rise in Victoria.

“Ensuring gym users and the broader community have the confidence and comfort that the fitness industry is doing whatever it can to ensure a safe exercise environment is our top priority,” Mr Elvish said.

“We have been working with the Queensland Government to develop a Stage 3 Industry COVID-Safe Plan. We are calling on them to release it quickly ahead of Friday when the easing of restrictions comes into play.”

Mr Elvish said it was a positive step to see Stage 3 Easing of Restrictions brought forward to July 3 but it was important to still have a plan in place to ensure gyms and fitness facilities can continue to be a safe environment.

Mr Elvish said:

“Gyms can be a COVID safe environment when strict measures are enforced to protect the health and safety of members and employees. Putting an industry plan in place for Stage 3 provides clarity for business owners and operators to continue to limit the risk of a second wave in Queensland.”

More information on Fitness Australia’s current Framework for Operations in the Fitness Industry Under COVID-19 Restrictions is available at fitness.org.au/covidsafetyplan and provides general considerations for all businesses and operators in the fitness industry. The COVID Safety Plan Checklist is available to members via the dashboard at fitness.org.au