Gym owners fear over public's mental health if forced to close

Gym owners across the north-east have expressed their concerns about potential closures in the Scottish Government’s new tiered system

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed plans for the new framework will be outlined by the end of this week as look to change on how they respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is thought this plan will take over from current restrictions but with the household limit of not being able to visit each other’s homes likely to be extended.

The Warehouse Health club director Kerry Smith said her fears extend to how closures could affect people’s physical and mental health as we approach the winter months:

Meanwhile. Aberdeen Sport Village’s gym manager Kris McIntosh said the decision to remain open “is out with their control”.

However, he also wanted to raise awareness of how happy his customers have been since they were able to re-open safely in August:

Sturgeon stated during her daily briefing the government will do all they can to avoid closing businesses due to new coronavirus regulations but could not "make any promises". 

The proposal for the system was due to be discussed with other party leaders this afternoon before being debated in Holyrood.

The alert system could follow what Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced in England last Wednesday.

It means local areas across the country could face different restrictions and guidance as authorities try to tackle the spread of the virus.

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