EuropeActive announces the completion of its second SafeACTiVE report, which shows a low risk of COVID-19 in the fitness clubs and leisure centers surveyed in 9 different European countries: With more than 185 million visits analyzed, the number of reported cases is 0.87, i.e. less than one case per 100,000 visits The report is based on extensive data collection and analysis by EuropeActive and its scientific partners King Juan Carlos University, AWRC-Sheffield Hallam University and ukactive’s research institute.
The SafeACTiVE study aims to allay public health concerns (of both users and members) and confirm that fitness clubs are a safe environment 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 a time when Covid cases are on the rise and new restrictions and closures are being imposed across Europe.
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. In his opinion, this report provides compelling evidence that physical activity must be prioritized in national policy, ensuring that facilities remain open to maintain the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Prof. Alfonso Jimenez, Head of the EuropeActive research center THINK Active, also commented on the report: “The data provided by club operators suggests that fitness clubs and leisure centers, where industry-standard protective measures 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 evidence from public health sources.”
