Fitness centers have so far avoided major spread of infection after reopening
The fitness industry was early to develop common rules for infection-proof rules for staying in the centers when Denmark and the fitness centers closed in March. And now, four months after the reopening in June, it seems that the guidelines have worked as intended, and that the fitness centers have generally not been a source of major spread of infection.
Recent government investigations and an international report on the fitness industry's handling of Covid-19 support the reports that the industry association DFHO receives from its members. It seems that Danish fitness centers and users have embraced the Corona restrictions and are avoiding a large spread of infection in connection with training.
Authorities report low infection rates in cultural and leisure activities
If you ask Danes who have been infected with Covid-19, they primarily point to work, education, acquaintances or home as the source of infection. Only 2.5% point to leisure activities as the place they suspect they have been infected. This is according to a survey conducted by the Danish Patient Safety Authority between September 10 and 21, which was distributed to the fitness industry and reported in the Danish newspaper Politiken.
Statens Serum Institut regularly calculates the prevalence of COVID-19 by industry. The latest figures show that the prevalence among cultural and leisure workers is below the overall average. Among the 50,000 employees in culture and leisure, 32 people are registered as infected. This corresponds to 64 infections per 100,000. In comparison, 83 people are infected in the trade sector and 99 in other service industries.
Both IHRSA and Fitness Australia have recently published studies that clearly show that gyms are safe.
And THINK Active, the new EuropeActive 'Think Tank', has published an excellent report highlighting the benefits of being at a normal weight and in good shape during a pandemic (read more in the latest print edition of Fitnews).
UK study shows low prevalence in gyms
The British fitness industry has conducted an industry-specific study of the prevalence of Corona infection among users. It shows the same trend of low infection rates. Of the 22 million visits to fitness and leisure centers since reopening in July, only 78 visitors have tested positive for COVID-19.
This suggests that the UK industry has been largely successful with measures to prevent infection and, in particular, to prevent people with symptoms from showing up for training. The measures are similar to those implemented by the Danish fitness industry in June.
Keep up the good work into the winter season
There has not been a similar study of fitness users in Denmark, but fitness centers generally report few cases of infection. When there have been cases of infected people who have been in the gym, the reaction has been prompt and has been reported to the Danish Patient Safety Authority.
Every day, the industry is working hard to allow users to exercise, but under more restrictive conditions. All this on top of a six-month period that, despite relief packages, has major consequences for everyone - big and small.
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