Coronavirus in Scotland: New rules for gyms laid out by the Scottish Government ahead of reopening date

New guidance has been issued on gyms, swimming pools and indoor sports facilities in Scotland ahead of their planned reopening in September.

The guidance outlines the steps necessary to enable indoor sport and leisure facilities to reopen – once Ministers have agreed that they can do so - and includes encouraging participants and staff to change and shower at home and the closure of saunas and steam rooms.

Here's some of the key elements of the guidance issued to sport and leisure owners/operators:

• Participants and staff encouraged to change and shower at home rather than in changing rooms where possible - although these must be available for participants with disabilities or special needs and are likely to be needed after swimming.

• Attendees encouraged, where possible, to arrive at the facility in sports kit.

• Saunas and steam rooms should not be opened.

• Swimming pools should restrict numbers to allow 6m2 per bather.

• Avoid use of shared items e.g. towels, robes, balls, weights, rackets, balls, scoring equipment, sports clothing unless they can be cleaned or sanitised between users.

• Ensure that any water fountains have signage which prohibits face-to-tap drinking (no receptacle) and that these facilities are used only to refill personal bottles or containers.

• Appropriate cleaning time should be should built into facility and pitch programming as it will take up more time than normal.

• Indoor spaces should be cleaned between programmed activities. A time buffer between each group should be allowed to clean every area used as well as the time for people to leave and the next group arrive without a cross over.

Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, Joe FitzPatrick said: "I know that many people across the country have greatly missed being able to use gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools, with all the health and wellbeing benefits those activities bring.

"The sector is feeling the financial impact of the continued closure of these facilities too, and I appreciate that many people’s livelihoods are at stake – despite the extensive financial support that the Scottish and UK Governments have provided to businesses during lockdown.

"This new guidance, created in collaboration with the sector, is an important step towards getting those facilities opened again, in a way that is as safe as possible for staff and customers."

To see the guidance in full, click HERE