Hastings Bannatyne Health Club to reopen

The company said it has undertaken an assessment of the Covid-19 infection risk to members and staff and has made changes to its working practices to reduce the risk.

The club will not be operating a booking system for gym or pools, only for classes. The team will be monitoring attendance and has a booking system on standby, ready to use if needed.

New changes include temperature checks on arrival, compulsory wearing of face masks in the clubs except when exercising, hand sanitising stations, enhanced cleaning procedures, cashless transactions using contactless payment, reduced class sizes, and equipment and machines spaced to achieve social distancing and prominent floor markings on the gym floor.

Water fountains will be out of use and members are advised to bring their own water/drink.

All dining and cafe bar tables will be appropriately spaced to maintain social distancing.

Some lockers will be out of action, together with some showers in order that social distancing is achieved in these areas.

The club said a staff member will carry out periodic headcount checks in the pool area, which may result in some people being asked to wait in the changing areas for a few minutes, at busy times, until a space becomes available.

Hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas will not operate.

Duncan Bannatyne said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we can reopen our Hastings health club.

“A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes at all the Bannatyne health clubs to ensure that our large and spacious facilities, which are conducive to social distancing, are safe for members and staff.

“Although some wet area facilities will remain closed for the time being, we hope to be able to reopen these in the near future.

“Most of our members in Hastings have been loyal throughout the pandemic and I am delighted to be welcoming them back. I’d also like to personally thank the staff who have remained positive through the very difficult last few months, I know they will be as pleased as I am to open the doors again.”

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