New SafeACTiVE report – Second cycle results showing low levels of COVID-19 risk in European fitness clubs
EuropeActive announces the completion of its second SafeACTiVE report, which shows a low risk of COVID-19 in the fitness clubs and leisure centres studied in 9 different European countries: With more than 185 million visits analysed, the number of reported cases is 0.87, or less than one case per 100,000 visits The report is based on extensive data collection and analysis by EuropeActive and its scientific partners at King Juan Carlos University, AWRC-Sheffield Hallam University and ukactive’s research institute.
The SafeACTiVE study aims to address public health concerns (both users and members) and confirm that fitness clubs are safe environments with a relatively low risk of Covid 19 infection. The study should thus provide the fitness and exercise sector with a strong argument for keeping fitness and exercise facilities open at the very time when Covid cases are on the rise and new restrictions and closures are being imposed again across Europe.
The Director of Sheffield Hallam University, Prof. Rob Copeland, describes the second SafeACTiVE report as a source of important data on the contribution that the fitness and leisure sector has made to promoting health and wellbeing during the pandemic. According to him, this report provides compelling evidence that physical activity needs to be prioritised in national policy, thereby ensuring that facilities remain open to maintain the physical and mental well-being of individuals and communities.
Prof Alfonso Jimenez, Head of EuropeActive’s THINK Active research centre, also commented on the report: “The data provided by club operators suggests that health clubs and leisure centres where industry standard safeguards are in place continue to provide safe public spaces in which to exercise and the number of self-reported COVID-19 cases is very low. Our findings using reliable data collection methods are consistent with the evidence from public health sources”.
