The Rosebank Killarney Gazette and Sandton Chronicle reached out to head of corporate and media communications at Virgin Active, Carla White, to find out what measures the gym is taking to protect their members and staff from COVID-19.
White said that Virgin Active gyms are committed to bolstering hygiene control in line with the president’s mandate.
“All our clubs are open and fully operational,” said White.
She said the gyms have stringent cleaning protocols using hospital-grade chemicals formulated with G-Cide to disinfect surfaces, change rooms and equipment.
The cleaning teams have been bolstered to increase frequency of cleaning.
The clubs are introducing hand sanitiser at entrances and on the gym floor and will roll out additional dispensers as a second phase. Scanners have been re-positioned to allow members to self-scan their cards for access.
“We must highlight that the virus is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and not through sweat or pool water,” said White.
Disinfectant spray and paper towelling is provided to wipe down equipment before and after use, said White.
Virgin Active will be creating a series of online workouts available for members to keep their training momentum going if their personal decision is to stay home. Members will receive notification as soon as these workouts are live.
Members will be given the opportunity for social distancing by reducing group exercise class capacity by 50 per cent.
The children’s facility, Club V, will be closed from 19 March in line with government-mandated school closures. Club V memberships will be automatically frozen.
White said that staff will be armed with the knowledge to put into practice hygiene standards in their own lives and work.
“We would like to encourage everyone to practice good hygiene, cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds, observe the social distance, and if they do feel unwell, to not come into a club until they’re feeling well enough to train. If a member has traveled to a high-risk country, we urge them to delay visiting a club for 14 days.”
“A pandemic of this nature is unprecedented and we appreciate the uncertainty that naturally accompanies it. We will continue to look for ways to make a difference,” concluded White.
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