Health Club Closures & Openings by Country

This list gives the status of health clubs and fitness facilities by continent and country. It will be regularly updated.

Updated May 25, 2021

This list gives the known status of health clubs and fitness facilities by continent and country. It will be regularly updated.

Since the October/November spikes in COVID-19 cases across most of Europe, the Russian Federation, U.S., Canada, and Latin America, a third wave (fourth wave in some countries) with new strains has emerged since December in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa leading to a huge surge in cases and hospitalizations. This is affecting most of Europe, South Africa, and the U.S. and is escalating in other countries and regions at the time of this publishing. This includes the highest ever daily cases in India, Brazil, and other countries. An increasing number of countries are experiencing the highest ever daily number of cases and hospitalizations. IHRSA aims to keep this page updated in relation to health clubs and sports & fitness facilities as the information reaches us.

We also invite you to help us stay up-to-date on restrictions, protocols, and stimulus supports in your country by filling out this form.

In cases where specific information on clubs has not been published by national governments, we have used the best available information on physical activity. This information has been collated from multiple sources by IHRSA and our partners. We would like to acknowledge in particular our national federation partners and the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), who have kindly allowed us to use the extracts of an article they have published.

In December 2020, IHRSA launched the Active & Safe Commitment as an initiative to reaffirm the health club industry’s unyielding dedication to safety at this time when exercise has never been more important to global health.

Developed by industry experts in accordance with the foremost public health guidance, the Active & Safe Commitment serves three main purposes:

  1. To demonstrate the industry’s united commitment to safety for members, guests, and staff;
  2. To provide health club members and guests with well-founded peace of mind during club visits; and
  3. To reassure policymakers and public health officials that health clubs should not be shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, but rather should be relied upon as safe environments for exercise that can serve as, responsible, credible, and effective partners for reducing the pandemic’s catastrophic toll on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

"The Active & Safe Commitment is a public expression of our highest values as an industry,” says Brent Darden, interim president & CEO of IHRSA. “I strongly encourage every health club operator to sign the commitment, boldly stand united with fellow operators across the industry, and confidently proclaim health clubs as vital community resources during these challenging times.”

In addition to complementing the Active & Safe commitment, IHRSA encourages all clubs to utilize the key considerations, mitigation checklist, and risk assessment tools to help reopen clubs and keep clubs open. These are very valuable for clubs to use and in demonstrating to members, governments, and other stakeholders that clubs are carrying on risk assessments and mitigating risk based on the best guidance available globally. Check out our webinar with the WHO (World Health Organization) Health Emergencies Team discussing these key considerations and mitigation measures to help keep clubs open/reopen around the globe.

IHRSA is advocating for all clubs globally to be allowed to stay open/reopen by demonstrating that clubs are operating as safely as possible and that clubs should be deemed essential. Some relevant articles include:

  1. https://www.ihrsa.org/about/media-center/press-releases/medical-experts-speak-out-to-show-gyms-are-safe-essential/
  2. https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/doctor-says-gyms-can-prevent-covid-19-lessen-the-impact/
  3. https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/industry-news/ihrsa-tells-consumers-gyms-are-clean-safe-well-prepared/
  4. https://www.ihrsa.org/about/media-center/press-releases/ihrsa-announces-key-considerations-risk-assessment-tools/
  5. https://www.ihrsa.org/publications/rebound-strategies-key-considerations-for-reopening-the-fitness-industry/

Jump to a specific region:

Australia

All Clubs across Australia have been allowed to reopen since 8 November 2020 and Australia is operating in a fairly “normal” situation. Fitness Australia, which is IHRSA’s National Federation Partner, requires businesses to operate in line with the Fitness Industry Code of Practice and encourages the use of the Framework of Operations for Fitness Facilities Under COVID-19 Restrictions. A further lockdown took place in the state of Victoria for a five-day circuit breaker in mid-February, but health clubs have now reopened again as of February 19, 2021.

China

In China, specifically Shenzhen, clubs were closed for 47 days with reopening allowed from mid-March. Some groups such as Catic Wellness followed a staggered approach and reopened the final club in early May. Clubs had to set up their own measures along with the government and proposed suitable measures and systems to complement government requirements. Catic Wellness was "first in” and was the pioneer in standards and new SOPs, which they have gone on to share with many other operators all over the world. There have been no COVID-19 cases in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province for over 8 months now. (Information courtesy: Walter MacDonald, director of Fitness Operations, CW Group, China)

COVID-19 cases rose again in January in some provinces of China, which saw the largest daily spike since July. Due to the rise, Hebei province, which surrounds the country’s capital Beijing, put the cities of Shijiazhuang, Xingtai, and Langfang into lockdown. Suihua, a city of 5.2 million in the Heilongjiang province, which declared a COVID-19 emergency, is under lockdown as well.

Many clubs across China are finding a full return to pre-covid levels of revenue and attendance, with the last quarter of 2020 extremely robust. Most returns are from secondary spend by old members, plus new members joining. Record all-time check-ins for PURE Shanghai at the end of February 2021

Hong Kong: Re-opened late February 2021 after their 3rd lockdown, with the latest lockdown being 10 weeks. Clubs in Hong Kong have been closed approximately 50% of the time since March 2020.

India

India tightens restrictions as Covid-19 cases hit a new daily record of over 100,000.

Gyms and yoga centers were allowed to reopen since August 5 with the Indian government issuing new COVID-19 protocols, which cover aspects including access and groups with higher risk. The guidelines also state that people must wear face covers and face masks at the fitness centers. However, while exercising or yoga kriya, they may use a visor. The guideline also noted that using masks and face covers while working out (especially N-95 masks) can cause breathing difficulties.

The Indian health and fitness industry has been extremely challenged during the national lockdowns with some regions being closed for over seven months. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra State (which includes Mumbai and Pune with a population of over 112 million people) has announced the reopening of all clubs from October 25. UHFF, which is IHRSA’s Indian National Federation partner, has been working closely with IHRSA to identify key talking points about the importance of keeping gyms open to maintain good mental and physical health, and the safety of the industry when following strict cleanliness and distancing guidelines. In-person audiences were then held to present these findings to the government’s decision-makers. This is another example of IHRSA, as the global industry association, supporting our national federation partners and industry working together to achieve even greater successes around the world during this crisis.

Large chains are operating throughout the country, with many small clubs and chains having gone out of business. There is discussion of another potential lockdown in a couple of key cities, though it won’t be as severe as the previous situations, there will be new incremental standards imposed on a Tier system. Many of the clubs that have survived the lockdowns are now again operating at pre-covid revenue and attendance levels.

Indonesia

Gym reopening was delayed to August 13, with some areas with low transmission allowing reopening. In November, Phase 3 reopening was delayed to 2021. As of February 22, 2021, no announcement has been made on a reopening date.

Japan

Japan lifted the National State of Emergency on May 25, and the Tokyo area now in Stage 2 with 100 person public events and places without COVID history to be open, most gyms were allowed to reopen by June 1. Never enforced city lock-downs, but did encourage closure of non-essential businesses and remote working.

Clubs in Japan were able to keep clubs open for 10 months until April 23, 2021, with 75-80% of club members having returned. The Japan Sports Health Industries Federation (JSHIF, Presiden Saito) and IHRSA’s National Federation Partner, the Fitness Industry Association of Japan (FIAJ, President Yoshida), played a key role in this effort. Senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Sports Agency also joined together to issue a declaration that fitness clubs are indispensable for the health of the people and to prevent secondary health damage as a result of COVID-19.

In April 2021, a fourth wave of a new mutation of COVID-19 started increasing the number of infected people, especially in Osaka and Tokyo. The total number of people infected has reached more than 5,000 a day. This is a number that makes the Japanese government and doctors nervous, and with the Olympic Games coming up in three months, a state of emergency is likely to be declared from April 25 through May 11. (Updated information courtesy of JSHIF President, Toshi Saito).

Malaysia

Gyms were allowed to reopen from June 15 (originally was May 13).

New Zealand

As of June 9, New Zealand is at level 1, which means that the only mandated controls are at the border, and otherwise businesses are free to operate with no restrictions. So there is no physical distancing, capacity limits nor mandated contact tracking. There are still recommendations on staying at home if sick, as well as common hygiene recommendations, and the Government’s contact tracing app bar code is recommended (but not required) to be displayed by businesses so individuals can maintain their own digital diary. Gyms are open in the country with no restrictions.

Auckland was put into a three-day lockdown in February 2021, but health clubs have now reopened since February 18, 2021.

Philippines

Gyms are allowed to reopen from 16 June with 50% capacity restrictions. The Philippines has a ban on children under 15 going outdoors. This population group makes up 40% of the population.

Singapore

Since May 2020, Singapore eased its newest lockdown to allow exercise with safe distance in public spaces and common areas of high-density private residential buildings. Sports facilities, gyms, swimming pools, and playgrounds (including those in private residential blocks) have been reopened since July 2020 with safe spacing and maximum number restrictions.

Singapore has gone into lockdown from May 17th through June 13th. This is to curb the spread of the latest virus variant (the Indian strain) as infection numbers have been climbing and many of these cases are unlinked. All dining in has been closed. Only takeaways permitted. Schools also closed on May 18th.

Gyms are closed and only low-intensity activities (with masks on) permitted indoors with no use of equipment. Outdoors low-intensity activities can be without masks, but high-intensity group classes have to be with masks on. Personal training (1-on-1) can continue.

South Korea

Following a high level of outbreaks, a two-week “quarantine” was imposed in January/February 2021 closing clubs, but they are now allowed to reopen with some restrictions.

Taiwan

Clubs are open and operating (never closed). According to The Journal, as of October 28, 2020, “Taiwan hit 200 days without any domestically transmitted cases of COVID-19 highlighting the island’s continued success at keeping the virus under control even as cases surge in other parts of the world. Taiwan’s Centre for Disease Control last reported a domestic case on April 12, 2020. CDC officials noted the milestone and thanked the public for playing a role while urging people to continue to wear masks and to wash their hands often. Since the pandemic began, Taiwan has recorded 553 cases of COVID-19 and just seven deaths. While it has stopped domestic transmission, it continues to record new cases in people arriving from abroad. Taiwan has been pointed to as a success story in how to respond to the pandemic, especially considering its close business and tourism ties with China, where the virus first emerged late last year.”

As of May 2021, Taiwan is now in lockdown with gyms now closed for the first time since the virus hit in 2020. This is an escalating situation. The vaccination rate in Taiwan is currently less than 1% of the population.

Thailand

Clubs reopened on June 1, 2020.

Vietnam

Clubs reopened at the end of May with restrictions. In February 2021, restrictions were imposed in two cities due to outbreaks—Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Clubs reopened again on February 18, 2021.

Overview of Clubs open/closed in Europe (courtesy of Ray Algar, Oxygen Consulting)

Austria

Restaurants, bars, and fitness clubs were closed again on November 3, 2020. Retail is currently open with restrictions on the number of customers allowed inside. There is also an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. It is very challenging for clubs to devise definitive protocols or financial/business planning as government requirements are continually being revised.

As of mid-January, the Austrian government has extended the lockdown into at least early February, Reuters reported. This has been further extended until after April 5 with a review in March 2021.

Belgium

Clubs are closed again from October 29, 2020, with no indicative date given for reopening. No indoor or outdoor group fitness activities, including personal training, are permitted. Protocols and guidelines can be accessed on IHRSA National Federation Fitness BE on fitness.be. (Source: Eric Vandenabeele, Executive Director, FitnessBE). Clubs are due to reopen on June 1, 2021.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Quarantine measures relaxed on April 24, allowing senior citizens and children to leave home every second day for several hours. But on April 29 it was decided to reinstate the night curfew during the three-day Labour Day holidays and ban gatherings of more than five people. Still no news on reopening as of February 22, 2021.

Bulgaria

Health clubs/gyms were closed again from November 27 until January 31. As of February 1, 2021, shopping malls, cinemas, gyms, and dance schools in Bulgaria are allowed to reopen as part of the Health Ministry easing measures against the spread of COVID-19, but with restrictions in place.

Croatia

Starting, May 11, 2020, up to ten people will be allowed to gather in the same place as long as there is social distancing. Health clubs closed on November 28, 2020 and reopened on February 15, 2021 with safety restrictions in place.

Cyprus

The health ministry and the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) have come together to draft a plan aiming to gradually lift restrictions applied to sports in Cyprus.

“...In the first phase of the plan, individual training involving a maximum number of five persons, including their trainer or coach (4+1), will be permitted in outdoor training facilities, including open-air swimming pools.

“In terms of gyms and other indoor training centers, they will be allowed to operate with a maximum number of five persons, including a trainer or coach (4+1), signifying that their reopening during phase one is aimed at professional and national team athletes, not the general public.

“Furthermore, 50 percent of all participating individuals will need to be subjected to mandatory Covid-19 tests every week.

“The mandatory testing requirement does not include children under the age of 12.

“The current requirement of sending an SMS text (number 6) to gain permission to exercise or train will remain in place.”

As of April 26, 2021, Cyprus is in a 2-week strict “lockdown” with clubs and all non-essential services closed and movement restricted. The Cyprus government has announced the introduction of a “Coronapass” for access to venues after this 2-week lockdown ends.

Czech Republic

Fitness centers officially reopened on April 27, 2020, in the Czech Republic. They operated with capacity restrictions of one person per 10 square meters, group indoor lessons with a maximum capacity of eight clients plus one instructor, and locker rooms and showers closed. During exercise, wearing a face mask was mandatory, as well as disinfection of fitness machines after the use of every client. The Czech government began lifting restrictions in waves.

From May 11, 2020, the maximum capacity of the fitness center was increased to 100 persons at one time. For more information, see IHRSA National Federation Manual for re-opening in the English version. Wearing a face mask is not mandatory anymore. From December 18, 2020, clubs are closed again until further notice.

Denmark

Outdoor, self-organized exercise allowed for individuals, pairs, and groups under 10 people. DGI and the Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF) announced on April 20 that non-contact outdoor sports clubs (e.g. golf and tennis) could reopen. Changerooms, gyms, and indoor facilities closed again on December 9, 2020 and are set to reopen on May 6, 2021.

Estonia

As of January 18, gyms have reopened but only individual exercise is allowed, with further restrictions in some cities. Clubs are set to reopen on May 3, 2021.

Finland

Individual outdoor exercises are allowed. The Finnish government announced its "hybrid" reopening strategy on May 4, 2020. It plans to reopen outdoor facilities on May 14, 2020, and allow sports competitions to resume from June 1. A gradual reopening of indoor facilities such as swimming pools, sports facilities, leisure, and youth centers started on June 1. Clubs are still open as of February 22 but with strict protocols in place and some regional closures.

France

A national lockdown was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on 28 October 2020 to take effect from October 30 until December 1. All businesses classed as non-essential are to be closed. Fitness clubs are classified as non-essential. Legal action has been initiated by some club companies and recent protests by the French Fitness Association and Club owners in Paris and Marseille following local restrictions. Clubs were expected to reopen on January 20, but as announced on January 16, clubs along with many other businesses are closed indefinitely along with curfews. (Source: Christophe Andanson, Planet Fitness Group (France)/Les Mills, IHRSA Europe Council, and the French Government).

Clubs are now set to reopen on May 15, 2021.

Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced a nationwide lockdown on October 28, 2020, in response to the rising number of cases in Europe. Germany began a four-week shutdown of restaurants, bars, cinemas, and fitness facilities on November 2. The lockdown was scheduled to end on November 30 but has now been extended until further notice

Clubs have to be fully closed, with only outdoor 1-on-1 personal training permitted in public areas and not on private premises. For more resources, visit DSSV, an IHRSA National Federation partner.

Greece

As of May 4, 2020, people were allowed to move freely, as long as this is within their own prefecture. Personal exercise will be allowed in open areas and at beaches, except for organized beaches, which will remain shut. Sports events are likely to be canceled.

Since November 3, 2020, clubs have closed again with no reopening date announced.

Hungary

Hungary began lifting restrictions on May 4, 2020, last year. Sports training for professionals and amateurs is now allowed "behind closed doors" and matches will be allowed to resume without spectators. All parks and open-air baths are open to the public. Curfews and restrictions still apply in Budapest and Pest County. Since November 9, clubs have closed again with no reopening date announced.

Iceland

Self-organized exercise and organized sport outdoors are allowed for individuals and groups of up 4 people. Public gatherings (including student groups of all ages) raised from 20 to 50 people on 4 May. Gyms, swimming pools, and indoor sports clubs reopened on 25 May and public gatherings of up to 200 people were permitted.

Beginning October 31, 2020, a new set of restrictions went into effect. Sports activities are not allowed and swimming pools are closed. The gathering limit has been decreased to 10.

Clubs have since reopened but with 50% capacity as of April 15, 2021.

Ireland

Health and fitness clubs, as well as sports and aquatics facilities, were permitted to reopen on December 2, 2020 despite the highest level 5 restrictions being introduced on October 21. Level 5 restrictions have been changed several times in recent weeks and as of December 31, clubs and sports facilities were closed again. Due to government statements on April 30, 2021, gyms, swimming pools, and leisure centers can reopen for individual training only starting June 7, 2021, with no dates indicated for full reopening.

Israel

Israel lifted many of its coronavirus restrictions and started reopening its economy on February 21, 2021, as the country’s vaccination drive and third nationwide lockdown have started to bring down infections.

Gyms, pools, cinemas, and restaurants are reopening for people who have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Israel unveiled its plan to allow those who have been vaccinated to attend cultural events, fly abroad, and patronize restaurants and health clubs by using a “green badge” app.

After striking a deal with Pfizer to trade data for doses, Israel’s vaccine campaign became the world’s speediest in the past two months.

Almost half of the country’s population of 9.3 million have received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and nearly 3 million have had their second vaccination.

Italy

Overview of the Italian fitness/sport situation from ANIF (IHRSA’s National Federation Partner)

Market:

  • 100 thousand sports associations (30 thousand have fixed facilities)
  • 1 million workers
  • 20 million active members
  • €12 billion /year contribution to the economy

Actual situation:

  • Loss of €12.5 billion
  • ANIF worked (since day 1 of the pandemic) on 3 major strands: support subsidies, reopen as soon as possible and sport system reform
  • Subsidies to workers: trainers and receptionists obtained a total of about €10,000 from March 2020 to June 2021
  • Very low subsidies to associations: between 4 and 10 thousand euros from March 2020 until now (depending on their average income).
  • Layoffs for employees about €16,000 from March 2020 to October 2021
  • The closure of clubs has considerably developed the digitalization of activities and 65% of the Italian associations have activated digital workout channels.

Forecasting:

  • The fitness activity will reopen June 1st (on May 15th only outdoor pools and activities)
  • The cash flow is estimated to return to the levels of 2019 by the end of 2022
  • 10% of sports centers/clubs won’t be able to reopen due to the inability to cope with the economic losses
  • The safety measures will continue to be the same applied since October 2020

ANIF is asking for:

  • Higher subsidies for clubs in order to restart their business: at least 30% of the net losses of the entire period (approximately €3.5 billion)
  • No “max quotas” restriction to access clubs from September 2021
  • Tax deduction option for members on the amount of their “not-enjoyed membership” payment

Latvia

Clubs have closed again since December 21, 2020, with no reopening date announced.

Liechtenstein

The government began to relax its measures from April 27, 2020, with sports clubs and fitness centers now open.

Lithuania

Some restrictions were eased after May 31, 2020. Sports clubs and outdoor events with a maximum of 30 participants were allowed to open from May 18. Clubs have closed again since November 6, 2020, with no reopening date yet announced.

Luxembourg

Fitness centers, swimming pools, and dance schools can reopen starting next week if the latest law on COVID-19 mitigation measures is decided by Friday.

After the prime minister announced the reopening of nonessential shops from January 11, 2021, Sports Minister Dan Kersch (LSAP) issued a clarification to the Luxembourg parliament’s sports commission on what Bill 7743 will mean for sports activities.

Minister Kersch said that the risk of coronavirus infection during sporting activities was less likely than through social activities. It means that while sports will resume with some restrictions, activities like carpooling to go to training and post-training gatherings will be forbidden.

Under the draft law, individual sport and two-person sports can go ahead without restrictions.

A maximum of 10 people can come together to practice a sports activity at the same time as long as there is a permanent physical distance of at least 2 meters between sports players. Wearing a mask is not mandatory.

It also means it will be possible to gather up to 10 people in a park to practice yoga while respecting the distance of 2 meters per person.

Sports facilities will be able to reopen their doors to the public, provided they have a minimum area of 15m2 for sports activities performed individually, at least 50m2 for activities performed by a maximum of two people, and at least 300m2 for activities performed by a maximum of 10 people. As an example, the minister said three groups of 10 people can practice sports simultaneously in a sports hall with a surface area of 900m2 divided into three lots by a wall or a separation barrier. Coaches (and referees) must be included in the number of 10 people.

Regarding outdoor field sports like football, the sports ministry is expected to publish a list of recommendations, which will include respecting a distance of 20 meters per group of 10 people (without mixing the groups).

Swimming pools will be allowed to accommodate a maximum number of six bathers per 50-meter lane and three per 25-meter lane.

Changing rooms and showers will be accessible to the public provided they do not exceed 10 people per changing room/shower and keep a distance of 2 meters. The wearing of a mask is compulsory in the changing rooms. (Source)

Macedonia

Health clubs are open.

Malta

Health clubs have closed again as of March 10, 2021, and will remain closed beyond May 10 (next reopening date for some services).

Moldova

Moldova has been operating in a state of emergency since May 15, 2020. The government reopened parks on April 27, 2020, so residents are allowed to go for a walk/run or to do other physical activity. Sports facilities and playgrounds and other public movement spaces are still closed, as well as all sports clubs and gyms. People can gather in groups of three maximum (exceptions are families and people living together). There is no effective vaccination program in place due to Moldova being one of the poorest countries in Europe.

Netherlands

The Dutch government had announced a step-by-step reopening of public spaces from May 11, 2020. Children up to 12 years old can exercise together under supervision. Young people from 13 to 18 years old are allowed to exercise outside with each other under supervision, but with a distance of 1.5 meters between them. Outdoor sports in groups are allowed for all ages if a 1.5-meter distance can be kept. No competitions, shared changing rooms, or showers are allowed. Official matches and competitions were not allowed. Municipalities will make agreements with local sports clubs and community sports coaches. Different municipalities may opt for different approaches. Indoor fitness clubs, gyms, and sports clubs were not allowed to open until September 1.

Beginning October 14, 2020, the Netherlands entered a national partial lockdown. A further full lockdown was introduced from December 15 and is now extended until at least March 2, 2021.

Norway

Health clubs are closed in some regions with a reopening date to come.

Poland

The public was able to use open sports facilities starting May 4, 2020. The government is implementing a gradual relaxation of restrictions in grassroots sports, including sports classes in schools, sport and fitness facilities, and outdoor sports events with up to 50 participants, without spectators.

Due to new outbreaks, all gyms/pools have closed since October 19, 2020, with an expected reopening date of April 28, 2021.

Portugal

Clubs have been reopened for personal training and machine usage. Exercise classes and swimming pools are also open but do not allow group classes. Clubs are asking for members to social-distance 3m and wear masks, and are also closing at 9 pm on weekdays and 1 pm on weekends.

April 19th, 2021: Clubs will be able to have group classes indoors, and outdoor classes increase from 4 to 6 customers. You can find the government regulations here.

(Information courtesy of PORTUGAL ACTIVO (ex AGAP)

Romania

Lockdown was gradually lifted after May 14, 2020, enabling people to move freely within localities. People will be allowed to do outdoor sports but in groups no larger than three persons. However, this restriction will be waived for professional athletes, who will be able to train in groups, under special conditions. Sports competitions will not resume yet.

Indoor pools are not allowed and there is restricted access to fitness clubs (in terms of the number of people who can be in the gym either one at a time or participate in classes). Group fitness classes and PT sessions can take place but with a reduced number of people.

Russia

The two largest Russian cities, Moscow and Saint-Petersburg, have extended the coronavirus lockdown until 31 May. The government is working out a 3-stage plan on lifting restrictions, first allowing people to go for walks and exercise on the streets, and opening parks and other recreational facilities in the third stage.

Serbia

Serbia lifted its restrictions on May 7, 2020, and allowed gyms and fitness centers, parks, and public areas intended for recreation and sports to reopen, subject to Serbian government regulations.

Since clubs are open with restrictions, they have an obligation to provide some epidemiologic measurements, such as:

  • Temperature check of each person that enters the club
  • Disinfecting of hands and shoes
  • Safe distance between people in the club (one person on per 4m2)
  • Employees must wear masks at all times
  • Clients can take off masks while working out
  • Closing time of clubs is now 8 p.m.

Slovakia

Health clubs have been closed since October 15, 2021, reopening announcement is to come.

Slovenia

All clubs in Slovenia have closed again with a further extension until February 16, 2021.

South Africa

South Africa is still under Level 4 restrictions, but residents were allowed to exercise outside again after 5 weeks on 1 May. There are still strict curfews, so exercise outside is only permitted between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Spain

Clubs are currently facing financial problems that we will see in the coming months. For now, there is no talk of permanent closures. Regarding the closure, in some states, the government has begun a new lockdown that includes the closure of facilities.

Clubs are currently open but following the declaration of a National State of Emergency from 6 months from 26 October, clubs have been closed in Catalonia, and other regions are expected to follow.

Prior to the current state of emergency, the government and the autonomous communities reached an agreement in the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System to establish a common protocol for gyms and sports centers. This is because, after the central government left the management of the pandemic in the hands of the regions, sanitary measures were different in each community. By lifting the state of emergency and allowing the regions to direct the protocols, the regulations turned into chaos. In Catalonia, there is a capacity limit of 50%, in Navarra 30%. In some places, they enabled the use of changing rooms, in an autonomous community they allow group classes of six clients and 10 in others.

In early February 2021, Catalan operators received the go-ahead to open again, albeit at 30% capacity and with up to six people for group exercise. Substantial restrictions on traffic remain in place in other regional markets in Spain, and clubs in the Valencian community will not get started again until February 15 at the earliest. (Source: Fitness News Europe, Issue 122)

Sweden

Outdoor exercise allowed for all. Adult sports matches and tournaments are suspended, but training indoors and outdoors (recommended) is allowed for individuals and groups of under 50 persons. From April 17, 2020, children under 18 can participate in matches and tournaments again. People aged over 70 are advised not to participate in indoor group sports. Gyms remain open according to strict hygiene rules (commercial chain SATS closed for two weeks in March).

Switzerland

Health clubs are closed again until at least the end of February 2021.

Turkey

Lockdowns on weekends are still in operation as of March 1, 2021. Clubs are allowed to open on weekdays until 8 p.m. There are no announcements as to when this is likely to change. The Fitness Association does not have its own protocols but advises all clubs to follow those issues by the Government's Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Ukraine

Sports clubs and fitness centers reopened on January 25, 2021.

United Kingdom

With the latest new strain of coronavirus, a new Tier 4 has been introduced in England which means sports, fitness, health clubs in Tier 4 regions are closed. This is effectively a “stay-at-home” order. The latest details on closures and stimulus packages for all four U.K. nations are in this link from our partners at UK Active.

Clubs in England reopened on April 12, 2021, Scotland reopened clubs on April 26, 2021, Northern Ireland is set for gyms to reopen on April 30, 2021, and Wales announced a reopening on May 3, 2021.

Argentina

Argentina is divided into provinces with respective opening status as follows:

Gyms REOPENED in Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, Tucuman, La Rioja, San Juan, Mendonza, San Luis, Neuquen, La Pampa, Santa Fe, Corrientes, Missiones, Ushuaia

Gyms PARTIALLY REOPENED in Chaco, Rio Negro, Chubut

Gyms AUTHORIZED TO OPEN in Santiago, Santa Cruz

Gyms CLOSED in Formosa, Cordoba, Paraná, Capital Federal

Swimming pools REOPENED in Jujuy, Catamarca, Corrientes, Missiones, Ushuaia

Brazil

Some states are easing restrictions, while others announced stricter lockdowns this week. Gyms and clubs were allowed to reopen in one state, Santa Catarina, on 22 April. This includes facilities that offer gymnastics, weights, Crossfit, dance, swimming. Gyms can be open at only 30% capacity and members must schedule to go and wear face masks. They can stay for 45 min, cannot use their mobile phones inside, and have to bring their own bottle of water. The use of locker rooms is forbidden. Group training is not allowed (source: Sesc and state government). The governor of São Paulo announced a gradual reopening of the state from 11 May. All clubs are open as of mid-November, but further restrictions are expected. ACAD Brazil, IHRSA’s National Federation Partner, has produced protocols along with state guidance.

Chile

The government has introduced a nationwide curfew (from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) and selective quarantines on areas with high incidences of the virus. From 12 May, the current quarantine for the communes of Santiago, Quilicura, Recoleta, and Cerrillos in the Metropolitan Region and the urban area of Antofagasta and all of Mejillones in the north of the country is extended. The restriction on moving applies only to communes that are in total quarantine. Additionally, there is a ban on public gatherings of more than 500 people.

Venezuela

In mid-March, the government declared a state of national emergency. On 8 May the government presented proposals to reinforce quarantine. Among the current measures are the mandatory use of masks, physical distancing, and good hygiene.

Canada

Many provinces across Canada currently have mandatory closures, while others are operating at minimum capacity. For example, facilities were closed in Alberta on December 13. They are set to tentatively reopen on January 8.

Access the national association framework/other protocols.

Fitness Industry Council of Canada is looking to work with the government as a resource when supporting the health and wellness of Canadians. To do so, they have shared a three-pronged approach asking the government:

  1. To include fitness memberships and services such as fitness training as a healthcare expense.
  2. To assist in funding the Prescription to Get Active program across Canada, which allows the medical community to connect with fitness professionals to increase levels of physical activity for Canadians.
  3. To assist with messaging that encourages Canadians to seek assistance from fitness professionals to support their physical and mental needs.

Clubs that are allowed to open are running at 50% capacity, or 10% if they are closed.

(Update courtesy: IHRSA National Federation partner for Canada, Fitness Industry Council of Canada)

See the overview of stimulus package details in FitBizWeekly.

Further Updates on Stimulus /financial supports:

Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (Backgrounder)

Lockdown Support for Businesses Facing Significant Public Health Restrictions (Backgrounder)

Details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extension (Backgrounder)

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support (Backgrounder)

Mexico

Phase 3 of the epidemic was declared on 21 April, meaning further limitations on movement in public spaces until 30 May. Measures include stay-at-home orders, restrictions on public gatherings, and in some areas curfews and mandatory face masks in public areas. Mexico plans to begin easing restrictions from 1 June if the current measures are successful.

United States

Stay-at-home orders have been in place in 39 states, but most have now lifted the most severe restrictions. Restrictions vary greatly from state to state.

Related Articles & Publications

Author avatar

Kilian Fisher

Kilian Fisher previously served as IHRSA's Director of International Public Affairs and Manager of the Global Health & Fitness Alliance, IHRSA's international advocacy arm.