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With 9,795 positive cases of the virus confirmed here since October 12 and more than 1,000 cases consistently reported over the past seven days, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the Government’s decision to implement the highest level of restrictions in its Living with Covid Plan for six weeks on Monday. night.
The new measures will go into effect from midnight tonight, forcing all non-essential retailers to close their doors, while bars and restaurants will only be allowed to serve takeout or offer delivery services.
The restrictions surrounding sport and exercise have been a point of contention for many, with some arguing that sports should cease entirely during the six-week period, while others insist that exercise is essential for maintaining mental health. of people.
Under the new measures, all gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools must close, however gyms across the country have argued that they are an essential service and should remain open because of this.
A petition entitled “Moving gyms to services essential to the mental and physical well-being of the Irish people”, started by independent gym owners in Ireland, has accumulated more than 40,000 signatures at the time of publication, urging the government to reconsider the decision. that forces them close.
However, the owner of a gym in Dublin has said that it will not close its facilities despite the restrictions, stating in an Instagram post: “Our plan is simple, we plan to stay open.”
Westside Gym’s Blanchardstown post adds: “The increasing number of Covid-19 cases are NOT coming from gyms and we think it is highly unfair that this has been overlooked.”
See this post on Instagram
Dear Westside Crew Members We know that you have been eagerly awaiting our response to last night’s announcement from the Taoiseach. We are saddened that our government did not listen to the voice of the Irish people. Not once was the importance of exercise mentioned in maintaining positive mental health. With that said, I’m sure you’re wondering what we’re planning to do at Westside Gym. Our plan is simple, we plan to stay open. We did not broadcast this on social media last night and the reason for this was because we are trying to put our members first. We felt that the less attention we brought to this, the longer we could stay open. We completely disagree with the government’s recommendations, but we feel that Westside Gym would be alone as there are other gyms that would not join this cause. However, we must follow our hearts in this case. Ultimately, we want to do what is best for our members and their mental health. We just reinvested in our biggest upgrade here at the gym, which has already been paid for in full. As a local business, we would not be in a position to freeze memberships again a second time. Therefore, the show must go on. Doors will be open at Westside and we will follow our regular security guidelines and procedures. If you feel personally vulnerable right now, stay home. If you want to continue training, our staff will be here for you. Our ‘government’ has shown utter disregard for your sanity. The growing number of Covid-19 cases is NOT coming from gyms and we think it is highly unfair that it has been overlooked. Dark days, dark nights, and dark minds. Be careful with your mental health in these times. Anything we can do to help please let us know. Westside will remain open, alone or not, we are here for you. Best regards to the entire Westside Team ❤ #wearewestside #westsidecrew #irishfitfam #standwithus #irishgyms #inthistogether
Ireland Active, an association representing the leisure, health and fitness sector, says it is in contact with the Government, including the Minister of State for Sports, Jack Chambers, asking them to reconsider their position regarding the closure of gyms. and swimming pools.
The statement reads: “We wanted to assure you that we have been doing everything possible to keep our sector operating since the start of the pandemic and more recently at all levels of the Framework, in collaboration with Swim Ireland, defending gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools will remain open.
Statement on Covid-19 Level 5 Restrictions for Gyms, Leisure Centers and Swimming Pools – Ireland Active https://t.co/1XcFGuUYCN
– Ireland active (@irelandactive) October 21, 2020
“We have highlighted the efforts that staff and facilities have made to ensure that they have been operating to the highest standards in relation to public health and increasing the health benefits of those involved from a physical and health standpoint. mental.
“This is of particular importance in the winter period, when much of the sport is done indoors.”
Under the government’s Living with Covid plan, people must stay home for all but essential trips, but will be able to exercise within 5 km of their home. Additionally, no exercise or dance classes will be allowed while the restrictions are in effect.
The guide also states that games or training should not be held, with the following exceptions:
- Non-contact training for school age children, outdoors, in pods of up to 15
- Professional, elite, inter-county Gaelic games, horse and greyhound racing, behind closed doors
As such, all senior inter-county games can advance through all four codes, while the remaining SSE Airtricity League matchups and Ireland’s upcoming Six Nations matches will also take place as scheduled.
GAA has also confirmed that minor and U20 accessories will cease while Level 5 restrictions remain in effect.
As part of Gardaí’s ongoing Operation Navigation, companies that fail to comply with the new restrictions may be fined and Gardaí may order them to close the facility.
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