Anger over Boris Johnson's decision to reopen pubs ahead of gyms and pools

Boris Johnson’s decision to reopen pubs and restaurants ahead of indoor gyms and swimming pools has been heavily criticised following his announcement on Tuesday.

A host of professional sportspeople and mental health campaigners posted on social media questioning the new measures after they were revealed by the prime minister in the Commons.

Indoor gyms, swimming pools spas, bowling alleys and water parks are all on the list of venues which will stay shut after 4 July.

But the PM said that Britons can return to pubs and restaurants with “minimal staff and customer contact”.

Glenn Earlam, chief executive of David Lloyd Clubs, said it was “completely illogical” to not allow indoor health and fitness facilities to reopen.

He said: “So what we hear is that pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen, but health and fitness facilities won’t be able to. To us this is bizarre because we are part of the solution.

“If people come to health and fitness facilities it helps boost their immune system, the chief medical officer has regularly said that health and fitness is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19.”

Mark Sesnan, managing director of GLL, which operates 270 leisure and sports facilities on behalf of local authorities in the UK, said the plans were “misguided and short-sighted”.

Sesnan said: “The government has made a potentially catastrophic mistake by leaving community leisure centres, indoor gyms and swimming pools off the list of businesses that can reopen on 4 July, nor given any indication when they might reopen.

“This will be bad for business, bad for jobs and bad for the health of the nation.

Rower Matthew Pinsent said: “You've got to say given that swimming pools are pretty much huge immersion tanks of chlorinated water – it’s pretty weird that they aren't open again.”

Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty added: “It literally is a pool of disinfectant.”

Professional boxer Conrad Cummings tweeted: “Restaurant and pubs (that serve food) to open 3rd July BUT no gyms... something not right there.”

While mental health campaigner Benny James said: “In my opinion gyms should be opening before pubs, this lockdown has been a struggle for a lot of people physically and mentally and lot of people wanna get back in the gym to better themselves... Boris don’t have a clue.”

Professional mixed martial-artist Marc Goddard said: “As those who know me can testify the pubs reopening is glorious but keeping gyms closed?

“I can’t support that one or figure it out. You think pub-goers can adhere to guidelines & advice before gym-goers? OK, good luck with that one! Pints before pushups!”

Following the PM’s announcement, culture secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted an update on when gyms are likely to reopen.

“Many people keen to hit the gym & keeping Britain fit is key in Covid battle,” he said.

“We’ve made lots of progress & I know steps businesses have taken to make their spaces & equipment safe

“Subject to public health, our aspiration is to reopen gyms & leisure facilities in mid-July.”

Coronavirus: what happened today

Read more about COVID-19

How to get a coronavirus test if you have symptoms
How easing of lockdown rules affects you
In pictures: How UK school classrooms could look in new normal
How public transport could look after lockdown
How our public spaces will change in the future

Help and advice

Read the full list of official FAQs here
10 tips from the NHS to help deal with anxiety
What to do if you think you have symptoms
How to get help if you've been furloughed