Gyms and leisure facilities across Hackney remain open despite official advice from the government that citizens avoid as much social interaction as possible.
One worker at the Queensbridge Leisure Centre near London Fields said that it was “very quiet” today. She added that the centre had several measures in place, including the regular wiping down of gym equipment with anti-bacterial wipes and the provision of hand sanitiser upon entry. She also said that the entry turnstile was being wiped clean as often as every 45 minutes.
Hackney’s council-owned leisure facilities, including Queensbridge, are run by Better, a non-profit social enterprise. Better are currently offering their customers a 30-day direct debit ‘freeze’ on their membership for a charge of £5.
“Whether you have an Annual Membership or have a Direct Debit for Lessons and Courses – we want to support you and your family through this period,” says Better, in a statement on their website.
The statement continues: “Due to this unprecedented situation, we are temporarily relaxing the freeze conditions. Should you wish to freeze your membership – you will be required to complete the membership freeze online form located on the ‘Contact Us’ section of the better website, which you can find here.”
If customers refuse the freeze and instead wish to cancel their membership altogether, they “will be required to give 30 days’ notice before the next direct debit payment is due.”
Gym-goers across the country have drawn ire on social media for ignoring advice to avoid public spaces. When asked on Wednesday about plans to force the closure of facilities Boris Johnson said that while the government “don’t tend to impose those sorts of restrictions” he would “rule nothing out”.
Better did not respond to a request for comment.
