You can still go to gym but there are stricter rules in place. Image: Adobe Stock
Level 3 regulations: New rules for gyms and sports fields
The revised guidelines include sports grounds being closed to the public until 15 January.
You can still go to gym but there are stricter rules in place. Image: Adobe Stock
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has set out the general guidelines detailing what fitness centres, gyms and other sporting facilities need to have in place to continue operating under the latest adjusted lockdown Level 3.
The new guidelines have been gazetted by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and include sports grounds and fields being closed to the public for the two-week period ending 15 January.
Fitness centres, gyms, cinemas, museums, theatres and beaches not closed to the public will need to strictly control access and keep sanitising products available. The people visiting these areas are also required to wear masks.
FITNESS CENTRES AND GYMS
The revised rules include:
• Gyms and equipment must be clean at all times to prevent the spread of the virus;
• Cleaning personnel must be active during all operating hours;
• All equipment including mats must be washed after every use;
• Vigorous training equipment must be spaced a minimum of two metres apart;
• Masks may be removed for vigorous exercise, but a distance of two metres must be maintained at all times;
• People entering a gym or fitness centre must be wearing a mask. No mask, no entry;
• Medium and low-intensity workouts must take place with a minimum distance of 1.5 metres at all times;
• Studio classes are capped at the most a venue can hold while maintaining a two-metre distance between participants;
• All social distancing spaces need to be clearly marked;
• There must be a 30-minute window between sessions to allow for cleaning;
• Venues must open windows during operating hours to allow for ventilation or where a ventilation system is used. Filters are to be maintained and replaced regularly; and
• Saunas and steam rooms must be closed.
SPORTS GROUNDS AND FACILITIES
Revised rules include:
• All sports fields and grounds are closed to the public;
• Only sporting activities including professional sports arranged by recognised sporting bodies can take place;
• No spectators are allowed to attend these events;
• The only people allowed are journalists, medical staff, venue staff, security personnel and team support staff; and
• Only necessary or essential contingents of these permitted people are allowed to be present.
All sport and fitness activity needs to fall outside the curfew hours of 21:00 to 06:00, with venues closing at 20:00. The regulations, guidelines and venue capacities must also be clearly indicated.
