GYM-goers might be wondering if they can still work out under Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new tougher tier level in a bid to curb the latest rise in coronavirus cases.
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As part of Tier 4 restrictions, non-essential retail shops, hairdressers and beauty salons must shut in a bid to stop the spread.
Boris had been trying to save Christmas but millions of people in London and parts of the south East will now have to stay home.
But what does it mean for people wanting to go to the gym?
Are gyms open in Tier 4?
Sadly, indoor gyms have been told to shut in all places that are in Tier 4 coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
The same goes for indoor swimming pools, indoor tennis and basketball courts, indoor fitness and dance studios and indoor climbing walls.
But outdoor gyms, outdoor pools, outdoor sports courts can remain open.
Tier 4 restrictions, which include households being told to stay at home, came into force from today, December 20.
A new strain of the deadly coronavirus is blamed for a sudden surge and the introduction of the tougher tier level.
Full list of areas in Tier 4
HERE is the full list of areas in Tier 4.
- Kent
- Buckinghamshire
- Berkshire
- Surrey (excluding Waverley)
- The boroughs of Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Rother and Hastings
- All 32 London boroughs and the city of London.
- Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough
- Hertfordshire
- Essex (excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring)
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Are gyms open in Tier 3?
Gyms, pools, and leisure facilities are able to remain open under Tier 3 restrictions, although exercise classes are banned.
It means you can still go the gym to work out on your own in Tier 3 areas.
Tier 3 is applied to “very high” risk areas where coronavirus cases are still rising.
What coronavirus measures in place for gyms?
As per coronavirus-safe guidance from industry association, UK Active, gyms that can stay open have taken measures such as:
- Reduced capacity in gyms, while increasing space between equipment to 2m, as well as adding a one-way system.
- Provided additional gym space, with individual workout areas of 3m x 3m.
- Limited bookings for group exercise classes to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Reduced the number of swimmers in pools – where people swim at 5m intervals.
- Fewer members are allowed in certain areas at any one time to ensure everyone can practice social distancing.
- Plastic screens introduced to reception desks to protect members and staff.
- Signage and clear floor markings help members to remain a safe distance apart, with staff available to provide support.
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List of shops and businesses forced to shut under new Tier 4 rules
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We’ve rounded up a full list of shops and businesses that are forced to shut under Tier 4 rules.
It includes non-essential shops and hairdressers which are now closed.
New Tier 4 rules and exemptions: What you can and can’t do, explained.
Brits in Tier 4 can meet just ONE person from another household outside under new rules
