Gyms across the Liverpool City Region are being told they will not be able to reopen tomorrow as initially thought, but instead will need to wait until Saturday, October 24.
Yesterday, the ECHO reported the good news that gyms across the city would be able to reopen this week after a u-turn decision around the closure of hundreds of businesses.
It was initially believed that the new rules, which would see gyms back open and soft play centres closed would come into force from 00:01 Friday, October 23 when Greater Manchester will enter Tier 3.
However, according to the Liverpool City Council's website the new rules for the region will take affect from Saturday. The council confirmed to the ECHO that this is the date that has been set by the government.
This means for tomorrow gyms must remain closed and soft play centres can open for their final day.
The reopening of gyms includes fitness and dance studios, sports facilities and leisure centres.
Yesterday, gym owners from across Merseyside shared their relief at the news they could finally reopen. Luke Powell, owner of Shred Fast, said: "Being part of the health and fitness industry, I experienced first-hand the negative impact that gym closures were having on my clients and the public and I did everything that I could to help the people who reached out to me.
"I knew that Liverpool being the incredible city that it is, we'd all come together to make a change and I believe we've really set the standard for the rest of the country now and I'm so proud to be a Scouser and of everyone involved.
"It's great news that the gyms are allowed to reopen from Friday. I'm currently working on a wellbeing centre that's opening in November which will help people focus on both their physical and mental health and create a community."
And, Mark Scanlon, co-owner of Awake, said:"I think the government, especially under the current circumstances, should be encouraging anything that supports people's physical and mental wellbeing.
"It's been proven now that gyms are safe in relation to Covid-19 and physical exercise is one of the best ways to boost your immune system.
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"Maybe the government should consider creating a fund to encourage and support gyms and gym members financially through these difficult times.
"Awake Self Development Centre operates a full timetable of fitness, yoga and meditation classes as well as free adult workshops and a full timetable of free children's yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions designed to help increase your physical and mental wellbeing."
