AS Coronavirus spreads and fears escalates, people are wondering what and where they can go.
With the gym becoming a major part of a lot of people’s lives in recent years, is the fitness haven still safe to visit during the pandemic?
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Are gyms safe during the Coronavirus outbreak?
Cases of Covid-19 continue to rise as Britain tries to contain and delay the spread of the virus.
The gym is one of the places where we can actually go to unwind in this stressful time.
Many members of the public will be wondering if gyms will still be open and what precautions will be taken as fear grips the nation.
The good news is, at this present time most gyms are still safe for the public to use, with no official advice being given by Public Health England, yet.
Despite this, many health experts have said that gyms ARE high-risk environments for the virus to spread because they are ‘typically humid’.
Dr Norman Swan, a physician and journalist has said: “Dampness is a bad thing for spreading germs”, but added, ” it doesn’t mean you stop going to the gym, but have to be super careful at the gym”, speaking on ABC’S Coronacast.
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What should I do to protect myself from coronavirus at the gym?
We all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe as COVID-19 spreads.
In places like the gym, where we share much of the same equipment and often come into contact with each other’s body parts, we have to be more vigilant and aware of protecting our personal space.
It is not known exactly how the virus spreads at this time, but what is known is that its “transmitted via droplets which are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes which can contaminate surfaces”, Dr Ed Wright, a senior lecturer in microbiology says.
The skin provides a barrier to the infection, so it can only spread when a person touches their face and it gets close to their nose, mouth or eyes, where it can get to the respiratory system.
With this in mind, it is important to wash your hands before, during and after your session.
Also, it is imperative to wipe down the equipment when you finish using it and resist the urge to hi-five your pals after finish a great set.
This should reduce the risk of you contracting coronavirus, and allow you to keep the sweat flowing.
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Are gym chains taking extra precautions?
Even though we have to be extra-careful-the gyms we go to have a responsibility to keep us safe too.
Many gyms have already started to take the necessary steps to increase safety against COV-19, gym-goers will be pleased to know.
Pure Gym have issued a notice on its website telling customers it has “increased the level of cleaning and hygiene” in all gyms, and promised that hand sanitisers will be readily available.
Central London Kickboxing studio Flykick has gone one step further by deep cleaning the studios, equipment and bags THREE times a day, they will also be providing antibacterial hand-gel and spray for pre and post-class gloves.
Other gyms have offered similar solutions, providing hand wash/sanitister and doing extra cleaning of equipment, with others carefully monitoring the situation.
If you still don’t feel safe to go to the gym during the pandemic, you can still go for a jog, take a bike-ride or even get a personal trainer to ease your tensions.
