Covid Response

OUR POST-LOCKDOWN REOPENING PLAN

HOW WE PLAN TO KEEP OUR MEMBERS AND STAFF SAFE

We have been working behind the scenes to ensure that when we open again we provide you with a safe environment which meets all of the regulations set by the government and our industry specific bodies.

We understand that not everyone will feel ready to come back yet, so wanted to make you aware of the measures we are taking to protect our members and coaches to help you make the best decision for you.

Here are Some of The Changes You Can Expect to See

Updated Rigorous Cleaning Procedures

If Wearing a Face Mask Makes YOU Feel Personally more Safe and Comfortable, We Will Provide, or if You Prefer You Can Bring Your own

We May Carry Out Non Contact Infrared Forehead Temperature Checks on Entry

Communal Water Dispenser Closed and Members Advised to Bring Their Own Pre-Filled Drinks

Equipment Rearranged and Studio Divided Up into Separate Zones to Facilitate Social Distancing

Members will be Asked Not to bring Personal Towels from Home, Instead We will Provide Adequate Quantities of Single-use Paper Towels

Updated Guidelines To Keep Our members and Coaches Safe

To protect those that are clinically vulnerable from COVID-19...

Until we are sure it’s safe to do so, in order to protect those that are clinically vulnerable or at risk, we will not be doing face to face sessions with members who are

In the meantime, if you fall into one of the groups above, we will continue to support you remotely via the TrueCoach app. To find out more, click here

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering our Studio

  • Not allowing admission for members or coaches that show/have any signs of COVID-19
  • To support this we may do temperature checks on entry, using a Non Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer.
  • We will ask that everyone use gym shoes only (no street shoes) in the studio.
  • We will ask all members and coaches to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or to use alcohol/ disinfectant hand sanitisers) on entering the building, and at regular intervals and after using equipment, etc.
  • We will not allow access for external coaches, Juran and David will be the ONLY Coaches using the studio
  • We won't allow members to bring personal towels from home, instead we will provide adequate quantities of single-use paper towels which can be properly disposed of.
  • We are asking members not to use public transport to get to the studio if possible

To prevent spreading the COVID-19 through contact and from contaminated surfaces

  • We will be asking all members and coaches to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or to use alcohol/ disinfectant hand sanitisers) on entering the building, and at regular intervals and after using equipment, etc.
  • We will continue the rigorous cleaning procedures that we started pre lockdown
  • In addition to wiping down each piece of equipment after use, and again between sessions, we will undertake daily deep cleaning at the end of every shift to help lower the risk of transmission from surfaces
  • We will make hand sanitiser, wipes, paper towels, and spray available for members to use for high touch points.
  • We will ask our members to wipe down every piece of equipment they use on completion, using the antiviral wipes, tissues and spray that we have provided and placed throughout the studio
  • We will have signage throughout the studio to remind our members to maintain hygiene standards
  • The water drinking dispenser will be closed and members will be told to bring their own pre-filled drinks.
  • We will be taking contactless payments only

To Adhere to Social Distancing Rules and to prevent spreading the COVID-19 through air

  • We will keep both the front and back door open at all times to help ventilation
  • To facilitate social distancing, we will divide the studio up into two separate zones.
  • Taking account that our facility is 88.4 square metres, that leaves 44.2 square meters per member, which is more than enough to maintain the 2m physical distance suggested by the government.
  • Because of this, there is no reason to move equipment further apart or mark every other piece of equipment in the gym as 'unavailable' as some other gyms have done
  • Members will be able to complete their whole session without sharing any equipment, programming will be updated to ensure that all exercises can take place without leaving their zone.
  • Our coaches won’t hand members any equipment during their session
  • We will ask members to be respectful of others in the facility and to maintain a 2m physical distance throughout the entirety of their session.
  • This means no handshakes, high fives, and fist bumps.
  • This also means no spotting, programming will be adjusted accordingly so that no spotting is necessary
  • We will keep the volume of the music low enough to allow conversation and to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other
  • For the initial phase of reopening, no more than two members will be permitted access to the studio at any one time
  • We will also spread the sessions out every 75 minute to prevent members crossing over with each other. So instead of having 2-3 sessions available every 30 mins, we will have 2 appointments available every 75 minutes ie 6, 7:15, 8:30, 9:45, and 11 etc
  • David and Juran will operate as two independent coaching teams. That way, in the event that one comes into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case or develops symptoms and has to isolate, the other one will be able to maintain operations.

Supporting Test and Trace

In order to support the NHS Test and Trace service, we will be keeping a temporary record of all customers and visitors for the required 21 days, and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed, so that each person could be contacted if there is a case of COVID-19 connected to the facility.

We have also displayed our official NHS QR Code Poster at the entrance to the studio and are asking that all members scan the QR Code when they arrive using the NHS COVID app

Communication with Members

In addition to the signage that will be on display in the studio, specific instructions will be made to members before they return to the facility so they are aware of expectations and requirements and how to conduct themselves.

All sessions will have to be pre-booked and time-limited. Additionally advice and guidance can be given to reinforce basic messages, to include:

  • To stay home if they have any symptoms or if they are considered to be a “vulnerable” or “at risk” group as defined by national guidelines (e.g. over 70 year olds).
  • To always wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or to use alcohol/ disinfectant hand sanitisers) on entering the building, and at regular intervals and after using equipment, etc.
  • To be respectful of all other people in the facility and to keep a 2m physical distance at all times.
  • To refrain from handshaking, fist bumps and high fives
  • To wear clean workout clothes and shoes (not from the outside).
  • If it is necessary to cough or sneeze, to do this into a clean tissue which is safely discarded, or into their elbow.
  • To follow club guidance on disinfecting equipment before and after use
  • Not to bring personal towels – instead we will provide adequate quantities of single-use paper towels which can be properly disposed of.

Should I Wear a Face Mask Whilst Training?

As it stands, face masks are not mandatory because by limiting our capacity to a maximum of two members at a time, we can comfortably maintain a safe distance.

However, if wearing one makes you personally feel more safe and comfortable in the studio, we will support you.

We are able to provide face masks for you, or if you prefer, you can bring your own

Should I Wear Gloves in the Studio?

The latest advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) is that regularly washing your hands regularly is preferable to wearing gloves.

We’re asking all of our members (and coaches) to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or to use alcohol/disinfectant hand sanitisers) on entering the building, and at regular intervals and after using equipment, etc. So we really don’t feel that gloves are necessary at this time

Can I use the Changing Room and Shower Facilities?

According to the latest government guidelines relating to indoor gyms, the use of changing rooms and showering facilities should be avoided where possible.

So we're encouraging our members to arrive at the facility in training gear and asking where possible for members to travel home to change/shower

Click here to access the document entitled ‘COVID-19 - A framework for the re-opening of gym, leisure centre and wider fitness industry during social distancing’ published by UK Active on 7th May 2020.

Click here to access the document entitled ‘Summary of Current Recommended Practices For Operating Under COVID-19 Restrictions’ published by Europe Active on 7th May 2020.

Click here to see the latest government guidance for people who work in grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities

Polaris Fitness | Copyright 2020