AusLeisure

A rise in Coronavirus cases in Sydney's eastern suburbs has led the NSW Government to announce new COVID-19 restrictions that will mask-wearing mandatory in workplaces, at sporting events and at gym classes - with classes also limited to 20 people.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian yesterday announced new rules COVID rules for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.

Introduced from 4pm on 23rd June, for the first time, Premier Berejiklian said those attending group classes in gyms would also have to wear masks. Classes will also be limited to 20 people but those working out on exercise equipment such as treadmills will not have to wear a mask.

The first time such specific rules have been introduced for fitness facilities

Matt Dominello, owner of Premier Health and Fitness in the Sydney CBD told news.com.au “we will probably add more breaks to make sure people are OK and may have to adjust our timetables accordingly.”

However, he said some of the heavier cardio classes may also have to be cut, adding “hopefully it’s only for seven days.”

Dominello said members had previously adapted to other rules including the four square metre rule, noting “already people are walking in with face masks, we have found to date that people are adaptable and follow guidelines so hopefully this will continue.”

News.com.au also quoted Professor Peter Collignon of Australian National University, an infectious diseases expert, who said restrictions on gyms were necessary because they did seem to be higher risk venues for coronavirus spread.

Professor Collignon stated “it’s hard to wear a mask to exercise, unfortunately gyms are one of the riskier places for COVID transmission, along with bars and crowded restaurants.”

The NSW Government has also placed restrictions on other indoor venues including the re-introduction of the one person per four square metre rule and a ban on non-essential travel outside Sydney.

The new measures mean Greater Sydney will be subjected to its toughest mask mandate since the pandemic began.

Acknowledging that the travel restrictions would affect the looming school holidays but noting it was crucial the virus remained contained, Premier Berejiklian advised “we apologise in advance that this impacts some people's ability to travel during the school holidays.”

She said people can travel for essential purpose such as visiting a sick relative, and urged people to use common sense, adding “please abandon non-essential activities, please don't attend social gatherings unless you absolutely must.”

Wearing face masks was already mandatory for some activities like shopping and taking public transport.

The NSW outbreak has prompted New Zealand and other states to change border rules.

Interstate and trans-Tasman travel
New Zealand has suspended the trans-Tasman bubble arrangement after a Sydney man travelled to Wellington before testing positive on his return.

Tasmania and Victoria have also introduced a travel ban for people who have recently been in certain Sydney local government areas.

Returning residents will be forced to undergo a 14-day quarantine, while anyone else wishing to travel will be forced to apply for an exemption.

Western Australia also introduced a hard border closure with NSW on Wednesday, banning anyone who has recently been in the state since 11th June from travelling without an exemption.

South Australia followed suit shortly afterwards, closing its border with NSW to everyone but exempt travellers and residents of communities along the border.

Queensland has declared all of Greater Sydney a hotspot, and nobody who has been there, except people with exemptions and returning Queenslanders, will be permitted to enter the state from Thursday morning. Those who can enter Queensland will need to complete 14 days of quarantine.

Related Articles

24th June 2021 - Latest COVID outbreak sees Sydneysiders warned against travelling to Victorian ski fields

16th June 2021 - COVID-19 lockdown sees AFL move Melbourne fixtures to Tasmania

11th June 2021 - National Aquatic Industry Committee advises on conditions for swim teachers, lifeguards and instructors affected by Victoria’s lockdowns

1st June 2021 - Victorian lockdown leads to fitness industry losses in excess of $10 million

28th May 2021 - Fourth COVID lockdown ‘a monumental kick in the guts’ for Victorian fitness operators

17th July 2020 - Majority of Australians failed to meet suggested physical activity behaviour guidelines during Coronavirus lockdown

9th June 2021 - Fitness Australia and Vic Active demand exercise facilities be allowed to open in regional Victoria

4th June 2021 - Fitness Australia asks why Victoria’s Chief Health Officer is again targeting gyms

24th February 2021 - Fitness Australia welcomes NSW Government’s lifting of gym class numbers to 50 people

12th February 2021 - Fitness Australia disappointed at NSW Government’s easing of restrictions for all indoor venues except gyms

4th January 2021 - Fitness Australia calls for Federal government to introduce national plan to improve physical activity rates

17th November 2020 - Fitness Australia Chief Executive questions why gyms must close but pubs can stay open

29th October 2020 - Fitness Australia advise that risk of infection in a gym is less than ‘one in a million’

22nd October 2020 - Fitness Australia applauds NSW Government’s relaxation of gym COVID Marshal measures

8th October 2020 - Fitness Australia releases research showing impact of lockdown gym closures

18th March 2021 - A third of global gym members unlikely to return to clubs after COVID vaccine

7th April 2021 - Industry bodies respond to travel bubble agreement between Australia and New Zealand

9th October 2017 - Affordable luxury at refurbished Sydney CBD fitness club

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.