Gym and nightclub owners have warned of job losses and crippling financial pain after the government announced their venues will have to remain closed.
While the government revealed on Wednesday that Melbourne cafes, restaurants and retail would reopen from Friday, gyms are set to remain shut for at least another week, as Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton described the venues as “high-risk environments”.
The news was a blow for Snap Fitness Footscray owner Matt Bender who had organised a deep clean of his gym, refilled hand sanitiser dispensers and briefed personal trainers in anticipation of reopening later this week.
“This a kick in the guts,” he said. “It’s just devastating.”
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He said gyms operated some of the country’s best contact tracing systems, with members required to swipe in with cards that recorded their movements. His gym is cleaned daily and members are provided with hospital grade disinfectant and wipes.
The father of two said Melbourne’s four lockdowns had already cost his business more than $500,000 and being closed for an additional week would set him back about another $20,000.
But Mr Bender said his main concern was the livelihood of staff, all of whom don’t qualify for government subsidies and will not be paid, and the mental and physical health of members.
Fitness Australia chief executive Barrie Elvish said some Victorian gyms were already standing down staff following the government’s announcement.
Source: | This article originally belongs to smh.com.au
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