Member of Parliament for Delyn, Rob Roberts, has written to the First Minister and the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism urging the Welsh Government to recognise the vital role gyms and leisure facilities play in the physical and mental wellbeing of communities and to keep the sector open as local authority restrictions are being implemented in Delyn and throughout Wales.
With gym and leisure facilities able to remain open throughout Medium and High tiers of the UK Government’s new Covid restriction system, it is crucial that residents in Wales are allowed the same opportunities to exercise in a safe manner and are not penalised for living over the border.
Most gyms and leisure facilities have increased their safety measures and now implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of all users. Research has also found that there are just 0.35 cases per 100,000 visits to gym and leisure facilities across the UK, highlighting that the risk of Covid to users is minimal and gyms are not hotspots for spreading coronavirus.
As the risk to individuals in gym and leisure facility settings is minimal, Rob feels that it is unfair and disproportionate to potentially close all facilities across Wales, especially due to the significant benefits that these places provide to users.
Gym, pool and leisure facilities are hugely important to the wellbeing of people in Delyn, and across the whole of Wales. These facilities help foster a sense of community and help people from feeling lonely, during a very isolating time. Physical exercise also not only keeps people healthy and fit, reducing the risk of people having serious symptoms of Covid-19 but also can have a positive impact on people’s mental health – helping increase people’s self-esteem, reduce stress and lower anxiety.
In addition, if gyms and leisure facilities are forced to close again, this places an even greater financial burden on these vital businesses, who may already be struggling financially. Research shows that fifteen public pools and sports centres in Wales are already at risk of closure without the help of additional Welsh Government financial support – and this is likely to increase, if these businesses have to close.
Commenting, Rob said:
“I know gym and leisure facilities such as the recently opened Tribe Fitness in Flint, are vital to providing safe places for constituents to exercise and help improve their physical and mental health.
“With evidence showing that the spread of coronavirus is these facilities is incredibly low, it seems unnecessary and unhelpful for both users and businesses to close them.
“I urge the Welsh Government to consider the evidence available to them and allow gym and leisure facilities to remain open throughout local lockdowns for the benefit of individuals health and to ensure further businesses avoid permanent closure.”
Rob is keen to see the Welsh Government maintain their position and allow gym and leisure facilities to remain open to reassure and encourage individuals to exercise in safe conditions. Ultimately, this will benefit individual’s physical and mental health, improve local community unity and ensure an important sector is not decimated.