GEORGE NEWS - Motion Fitness George general manager André de Jager told George Herald today they have had to temporarily retrench 20 staff members last week at month-end.
"We have managed to pay their full salaries up until now, but members' fee payments have understandably dwindled. We hope to reappoint our staff as soon as we can open our doors. They are now applying for UIF."
Motion Fitness is participating in the Fit SA national silent protest today against the lockdown regulations. The protest would have taken place outside fitness centres but has taken on another format after a warning from the police that protesters who dare to demonstrate outside, will be arrested.
At Motion Fitness at York Street Boulevard, protesting staff and members were allowed to enter the premises two by two to pose for photos with placards inside the gym. The photos are being posted on the Fit SA Facebook page together with those from all other participating gyms.
De Jager said they have been preparing the gym to open its doors. Some pieces of equipment of which there were more than one have been removed so as to create at least two-metre spaces between machines.
"We have spent a lot of money to install the necessary filters in the air conditioning system so that every nine seconds the air inside is replaced. We have placed dispensers with sanitiser throughout the gym and we can also disinfect apparatus after every use."
He said even if they can let in only a few members at a time, they will open up. In this way, limited staff will be working in shifts to ensure social distancing.
Oxygym in Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay also participated in the protest action.
Virgin Active in George is not participating in the protest. Their doors were closed when the newspaper was there just after 12:30.
Bodytech and Crossfit gyms didn't answer their phones.
United Gyms and Fitness Facilities in July filed an urgent court application against the government in a desperate attempt to have gyms and fitness centres reopened. De Jager says they are desperately hoping for a positive outcome.
Virgin Active didn't participate in the protest.
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