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Gyms to reopen in 10 to 14 days, with announcement due this afternoon

A Wisconsin gym has apologised for its "I can't breath" workout advert: AFP via Getty Images
A Wisconsin gym has apologised for its "I can't breath" workout advert: AFP via Getty Images

Gyms and fitness clubs are to be allowed to reopen in "10-14 days", according to Westminster sources, with an announcement expected this afternoon.

The news will come as a relief to millions of gym members, trainers and owners of fitness clubs after disappointment that pubs and fast food outlets had been allowed to open but not them.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden will say that they can operate from mid to late-July with strict hygiene and social-distancing measures.

One source said the reopening would be in the "20s of July".

Members of the government's SAGE Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have visited gyms including PureGym and David Lloyd Leisure last week to see how a reopening could be handled.

Government scientists have feared having people breathing heavily indoors and in close proxmity to one another, as well as the number of cold, shiny surfaces which are also thought to be conditions in which the virus thrives.

Industry trade body UK Active has proposed that:

::only equipment two metres apart will be used

::all "touchpoints" on equipment to be cleaned after every use

::capacity restrictions based on three metres square per person

::no waiting around in groups between classes

::swimming pools to be open where chlorinated

::one bather per 3m square

::only one parent per child supervising outside the pool