Coronavirus in Scotland: Gyms and pools set to reopen by 14 September
- Published
Nicola Sturgeon: Stadia, gyms and pools could reopen on 14 September
Gyms, swimming pools and indoor sports courts in Scotland could reopen on 14 September, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
She said the decision would be reviewed in three weeks to see if the date could be brought forward to late August.
Gyms in England reopened last weekend, and Scottish owners have voiced concerns about the impact of their continued closure.
Ms Sturgeon said the 14 September date was indicative at this stage.
"I absolutely understand and share the desire to see these facilities open as quickly as possible," she said.
"However, the clinical advice I have is that because of the nature of these environments, they pose a particular risk and require a cautious approach."
The first minister said the opening date of 14 September for gyms and pools would be reviewed again in three weeks.
"If it is judged reasonable to do so, we will seek to accelerate this to the end of August," she said.
One of the UK's largest gym operators, PureGym, said it was "extremely disappointed" by the announcement.
'No incidents'
The company said its gyms in Switzerland and Denmark had been open for several weeks with "no incidents" of transmission or infections at its sites "as far as we know".
"We have developed detailed, industry-agreed guidance and are confident gyms are safe places to work and safe places to workout," PureGym said in a statement.
"We urgently call on the first minister to re-examine the current, factual evidence, engage with us and our industry bodies, and allow the Scottish people back into gyms as soon as possible so that we can support them in living happier and healthier lives."
Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said it was "imperative" that gyms had a "clear and earlier date of return".
"Further delays may result in permanent job losses and business closures," Dr Cameron said.
On Thursday, Ms Sturgeon set out a number of dates when lockdown restrictions would ease further.
Bingo halls are due to open again on 24 August
Bingo halls and funfairs will be able to reopen in August, and dentists will be able to provide more services.
Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament that routine eye care services - including regular eye exams - can be carried out from Monday 3 August.
Counselling services, such as drug and alcohol support groups, will be able to resume to "provide essential services".
And sports coaches will be able to meet with groups of more than four households at a time from the same date.
A wider range of dental care will be allowed to resume from 17 August.
It is planned that live events such as concerts and comedy will be allowed outdoors from 24 August, with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and restricted audience numbers.
It is hoped that organised outdoor contact sports can resume for people of all ages on the same date.
Some indoor facilities, such as bingo halls and similar venues, could also open again on 24 August, as well as funfairs and the resumption of driving lessons.
Ms Sturgeon said it was hoped that theatres and live music venues, as well as soft play centres, would be able to reopen on 14 September.
Sports stadia could reopen on the same day for limited numbers of spectators, with physical distancing in place.
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: "Some professional sports events may be arranged for spectators before then - with Scottish government agreement - to test the safety of any new arrangements."
It is hoped that indoor sports courts will be able to reopen from the same date, with physical distancing.
Non-essential offices are expected to remain closed until at least 14 September
"Even then, working from home and working flexibly will remain the default position," added Ms Sturgeon.
"By staying at home, office workers and employers are playing a vital role in helping suppress the virus, and ensuring our transport network remains safe."
