Gym cluster saw 22 people test positive

Tuesday 08 December 2020

Gym closures were the result of a spate of cases across seven premises, the Government has said, with 22 individuals testing positive for covid after visiting one venue.

Deputy Medical Officer for Health Dr Ivan Muscat laid out the case numbers last night amid calls for clarity about why fitness establishments had been included in the recent hospitality ‘circuit breaker’.

He explained that there had been one “large cluster associated with one venue” in November, and that “each person in that cluster of 22 positive cases generated somewhere between nine and 32 direct contacts.”

He went on to state that there had been around 20 further cases linked with six other venues.

“Despite the fact that we would like to keep gyms open because of the physical and mental health benefits of gyms, they have been associated with significant activity and we considered it appropriate to close these venues down at this point,” Dr Muscat continued, before adding that islanders still had the opportunity to exercise at home and outside. 

Pictured: Dr Muscat explained that islanders can still exercise at home and outside.

The Chief Minister added that the situation was being “very closely monitored.”

More than 4,200 islanders have thrown their weight behind a petition calling for gyms to be kept open with masks enforced and 2m physical distancing in place amid concerns from gymgoers about the impact on islanders' emotional wellbeing.

If it reachers 5,000 signatures, States Members will have to consider the motion for debate.

Backed by other gym owners, Transform Together founder Cameron Elliott is spearheading a campaign to reopen fitness venues, and recently appeared outside the Government of Jersey headquarters carrying a banner stating, "We're not part of the problem, we're part of the solution #ReopenGyms".