China forced to put gyms and pools back in lockdown over fears of another wave of coronavirus could break out
CHINA has re-imposed lockdown measures on public sports facilities over fears that a second wave of coronavirus could crash the country again.
Swimming pools and gyms are being told to close again after being open for only a few weeks since China relaxed its restrictions due to COVID-19.
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Chinese government concerns over a spike in imported cases have lead to them imposing a 14-day quarantine at designated hotels for anyone arriving in Beijing.
The fitness industry has been hit extremely hard in China, with 6,969 businesses in that field dissolving or suspending operations in the first quarter of this year, according to Chinese data analysis company Qichacha.
A SECOND WAVE
Gyms have been hit with relatively high rent due to the large floor space needed in urban areas, and competition from a surge in online home-fitness apps that became popular during lockdown.
Ankit Nayal, a director at Beijing-based B Active 24 Hour Fitness, insists relief from the government will prove critical in the weeks ahead to avoid further businesses closing.
“It’s very difficult for us because we are an offline provider. We’re still investigating online revenue options.
“The government has been very helpful in coming up with policies towards the rent.” Mr Nayal told CNBC.
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China is, however, now re-opening its schools.
50,000 high school students in Beijing started their third year on Monday, which is seen as crucial ahead of the university entrance exam known as the gaokao, according to the Independent.
China has also unveiled plans to start re-opening restaurants from June 1 but will force customers to have separate portions rather than traditional shared family meals.
Chinese authorities have announced that the country has officially had 82,830 cases and 4,633 deaths due to coronavirus.
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