Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Claire Galloway

No face masks and other rules to expect as gyms set to reopen next month

Gyms and other sports and leisure facilities are preparing to open next month with a raft of new rules - but what should you expect?

The Scottish Government published it's guidance for the industry ahead of indoor and facilities reopening in phase three of the country's route map out of lockdown.

Currently, sports and leisure facilities are expected to get the green light to reopen on 14 September and must ensure physical distancing and enhanced hygiene measures are ready.

Keep two metres from people

There will be no more hitting the gym with friends - unless you live together.

Before the pandemic, it wouldn't be uncommon to pair up for workouts but new rules insists that "a distance of two metres is maintained between any persons on the premises".

This only exception is for members of the same household, or a carer and the individual who is being assisted by the carer.

The two metre rules also applies to anyone waiting to enter a facility.

Limited numbers of people

The days of walking into a packed gym or a fitness class at 5:30pm are a long way off.

The Scottish Government warn that facilities must ensure" that they only admit people to its premises in sufficiently small numbers".

This is to make sure that it is possible to maintain social distancing.

It's unclear how this might work, whether it gyms opt for a booking system like many bars have, or customers will have to queue.

To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.

You won't have to wear a face mask

The rules around wearing face masks became stricter across Scotland earlier this month, as the Scottish Government expanded the list of place where they are mandatory.

Currently people aged five years and over must wear a face covering in a number of places, including public transport and shops - apart from those who are exempt.

However, face coverings will not need to be worn while people are taking part in sport and leisure activies.

The guidance states: "Participants are exempt from wearing face coverings whilst actively taking part in sport and leisure activities".

You will have to hand over your details

Following a rise in cluster cases this month, the Scottish Government made it mandatory for hospitality businesses to collect contact details of customers visiting their premises.

If a restaurant or bar does not comply, they could face a fine of up to £960, and must collect the details of every person entering the building whether that be a customer, cleaner or delivery driver.

Likewise, once sport and leisure facilities/businesses return in outdoor and indoor areas, it will be mandatory for "all to gather contact information from general public, members and staff".

If you use the facility as "a small household group", you will only need to provide contact details for one "lead member".

The government say this is crucial to national efforts to suppress the virus.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.