"Can't Even Go to the Gym" Exercise Facilities Closed... Customers Left 'In Tears'

COVID-19 Cases Increase by 284 in One Day, Total 1,261
Health Authorities Recommend Postponing or Canceling Group Events and Multi-use Facilities

Many exercise facilities such as gyms and Pilates studios are increasingly deciding to temporarily close following recommendations from the Office of Education and local district offices. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "Because of COVID-19, we can't even go to the gym."

Office worker A (29) recently received a text message from a fitness center stating it would temporarily close in accordance with government guidelines, and said this. A said, "I know it's an unavoidable decision for prevention, but thinking that I can't exercise is frustrating."

Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), more people are avoiding face-to-face contact. This is because of the high risk of infection through droplets (saliva particles). As a result, some places with large crowds such as certain theaters, cafes, and gyms have been shut down and temporarily closed.

In the case of gyms, since they are places where people exercise daily, consumer dissatisfaction due to the temporary closure is growing.

Kim Kang-rip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), said at a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 26th, "As the infectious disease crisis alert has been raised to the severe level, guidelines for group events and multi-use facilities have been revised and implemented."

Coordinator Kim said, "We recommend postponing or canceling events held in confined and crowded spaces, outdoor events where droplet transmission is possible due to crowding or physical contact, and events targeting many vulnerable groups."

He added, "Please also refrain from private gatherings with low urgency and necessity, such as social meetings, dinners, and trips."

Since the number of confirmed cases has exceeded 1,000, operating facilities and holding events where many people gather pose a high risk of infection.

As a result, many exercise facilities such as gyms and Pilates centers are deciding to temporarily suspend classes following recommendations from education offices and local district offices.

Customers expressed anxiety about infection but also voiced dissatisfaction about not being able to exercise on the scheduled dates. Photo by Yonhap News

A Pilates center in Gwanak-gu, Seoul announced, "To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will temporarily suspend classes starting from the 26th."

The situation is no different at other exercise centers. A gym in Eunpyeong-gu also sent a text message to members saying, "Due to COVID-19, we will be temporarily closed until March 8."

Customers who heard the news expressed anxiety about infection but also voiced dissatisfaction about not being able to exercise on the scheduled dates.

Customer A (27), who attends a Pilates center, raised her voice, saying, "It’s absurd to go to the center when a confirmed case might have been there." She added, "Since we are refraining from going out, I don’t see the need to go to a place where many people come and go."

On the other hand, there are also complaints such as, "Are we not going to be able to exercise until the COVID-19 situation settles down?" and "What if scheduled plans are delayed like this?"

Customer B (33) said, "I had decided to start exercising after a long time, but (due to the temporary suspension) my plans have been disrupted," and added, "I was going to get in shape and travel abroad, but I feel frustrated because I can’t exercise."

Another customer C (34) said, "They say they will extend the class days by the number of days of temporary suspension, but I can’t attend during that time, so it’s useless," and complained, "They don’t consider personal circumstances, so it’s just frustrating."

An industry insider said, "We had no choice but to decide on temporary suspension following government recommendations," and explained, "For prevention, we are frequently sterilizing and disinfecting equipment and other areas in the center where infection risk exists." He added, "This decision was made with the health of our members as the top priority, so we ask for your understanding."