Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed this morning that gyms are likely to be given the green light to reopen “in just a couple of weeks time”.
He appeared live on LBC this morning and took questions from the public.
Speaking to Nick Ferrari, the Prime Minister said: “We are going to reopen gyms as soon as we can do it in a COVID-secure way and I think that the date for reopening gyms at the moment, if we can do it, is in just a couple of weeks’ time.”
Boris Johnson says the government is trying to reopen theatres in a Covid-secure way "as soon as possible" but doesn't say if there will be financial support for the arts industry. #BorisOnLBC | Watch Live: https://t.co/wTagOJbxR2pic.twitter.com/KWaejaeNwu
The Prime Minister addressed the reopening of gyms upon Nick Ferrari’s questioning of why lockdown guidelines in England enable members of the public to “go to the pub [but not] go to the gym” and it comes after the widespread frustration across the country, from both the fitness industry and eager gym users, that indoor gyms were not included in the plans to reopen along with many other sectors on 4th July.
Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, also discussed the reopening of gyms this week on social media, and with UK Active, in a tweet that read: “Grateful to health experts from Public Health England for visiting gyms this morning with to look at the safety measures in place”.
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“Gyms have been working hard on this and I pay tribute to all those helping to get them reopened as soon as we can”.
Grateful to health experts from Public Health England for visiting gyms this morning with @_ukactive@DCMS to look at the safety measures in place#Gyms have been working hard on this & I pay tribute to all those helping to get them reopened as soon as we can!@Sport_Englandhttps://t.co/Ca24QGlJIi
Speaking ahead of Public Health England’s visit this week, Huw Edwards, Chief Executive of UK Active – which represents thousands of gyms and leisure centres in the UK – said: “Many people will be understandably frustrated by the decision not to reopen the fitness and leisure sector from 4 July,”
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“Our sector’s safety standards are among the highest in Europe, where other nations have already reopened their gyms and leisure facilities safely.”
“We have invited government and health officials to visit any of the hundreds of gym and leisure centre show sites across the country, and witness how facilities would operate with thorough social distancing measures and hygiene standards in place.”
“Any further delay to our reopening will threaten our nation’s recovery from COVID-19.”
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“With obesity the second largest cause of hospitalisation from this virus, gyms and leisure centres are equipped to not only combat COVID-19, but to support rehabilitation for those recovering from the virus”.
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An exact official date for the reopening of gyms in the UK has not been confirmed at this moment in time.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
3rd July 2020 
