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Can Gyms Stay Open Under California’s New Stay-At-Home Order?

By Diana J. Smith 2 months ago

CALIFORNIA — Californians who were hoping to workout enclosed by the warmth of an indoor gym this winter will have to wait until coronavirus cases subside in the Golden State. Beginning Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new regional stay-at-home order bans fitness centers from operating indoors.

The order will affect some 33 million Californias for at least three weeks and will force many business sectors to close, including dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, zoos, museums and playgrounds — whether they’re indoor or outdoor.

As for gyms and fitness centers, outdoor operations may continue under the order as long as COVID-19 safety guidelines are met. Under the new restrictions, outdoor exercise can occur in groups no larger than 12, according to the state’s guidelines.

“Gyms in counties in a region that is impacted by the order must stop indoor operations,” California’s website states. “Outdoor gyms meet the essential workforce definition of an

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Women’s health and fitness most at risk if leisure facilities stay closed

By Diana J. Smith 7 months ago

Ongoing closures of gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres are “disproportionately” affecting women, according to Sport England, which warns gender inequalities have been exacerbated by lockdown.

The Government-formed body expressed concern to MPs that the clock is being turned back after women’s sporting participation was boosted by last year’s football, netball and cricket world cups.

Activity levels were at record highs pre lockdown, but “less women than men” have been able to be active as families were placed under pressure by Covid-19.

“We’ve seen an exacerbation of inequalities that existed before lockdown,” said Alison Donnelly, executive director of communications and marketing at Sport England.

The Commons’ Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee praised Donnelly over the Sport England-backed This Girl Can campaign, which was first developed in 2015 to promote sport and activity among women, and since then has inspired four million women to act.

“In terms of

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