Some British gyms defy PM Johnson's COVID-19 lockdown

[snoop1130]

Some British gyms defy PM Johnson's COVID-19 lockdown

By Phil Noble and Guy Faulconbridge

 

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a virtual news conference on the ongoing situation with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Downing Street, London, Britain October 12, 2020. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool/Files

 

GREASBY/LONDON (Reuters) - For one gym owner in the northwest of England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's latest COVID-19 lockdown is a step too far. To save his business, he is defying the government's command to close, along with dozens of other gyms in the area.

 

Governments across the world have imposed some of the most severe restrictions in peacetime history to tackle the coronavirus, to varying degrees of success. The virus has killed more than a million people and Europe is deep in a second wave.

 

The measures have also pushed many companies, and in some cases whole sectors, out of business. Some feel ignored and are starting to push back against the rules.

 

"We're supposed to be closed but we are open," Chris Ellerby-Hemmings, 36, owner of EmpoweredFit Gym in Greasby, near Liverpool, told Reuters.

 

He said 50 other gyms across the area were also staying open - an open show of defiance against the British government around 240 miles south in London.

 

Under a new tiered system which kicks off on Wednesday, Liverpool and the surrounding Merseyside area are classed as "very high" risk, meaning they are subject to the some of the strictest lockdown measures in England, including shutting pubs, gyms and casinos.

 

British government scientific advisers say the virus, which emerged in China last year, is spreading fast across all parts of the United Kingdom and that critical care beds are starting to fill up with COVID-19 patients in high risk areas.

 

But Ellerby-Hemmings of EmpoweredFit said the rules appeared irrational as COVID-19 transmission was lower in gyms while restaurants, which he said have a higher transmission rate, have been allowed to stay open.

 

"The government has presented no evidence as to why we should close - they have just done it irrationally," said Ellerby-Hemmings, who closed the gym during the first national lockdown from March 25 to July 25.

 

"If we did close again, because we have taken on a lot of debt, we would not be able to reopen. The staff would lose their jobs and I would lose my business," he said.

 

Ellerby-Hemmings said gyms were essential to keep people fit, fight obesity and improve mental health.

 

He opened the 16,000 sq ft, 24-hour gym in February 2017. Overheads are roughly 15,000 pounds ($19,000) per month but under government support schemes, he has been offered just 3,000 pounds per month. His rent alone is 6,000 pounds per month.

 

"We want to be listened to - we have tried to open a dialogue but we have so far been ignored," Ellerby-Hemmings said.

 

The gym has consulted with lawyers about the potential enforcement of the rules.

 

Will he ever give in? "No. Simple answer."

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-10-14

 

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[BritManToo]

Good on him!

[Bluespunk]

49 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

"We're supposed to be closed but we are open," Chris Ellerby-Hemmings, 36, owner of EmpoweredFit Gym in Greasby,

If I lived in somewhere called Greasby I'd move...

[Bluespunk]

50 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

"The government has presented no evidence as to why we should close - they have just done it irrationally," said Ellerby-Hemmings

I'm sorry but have you not been paying attention...nothing this govt does is based on rational thought.

[Kadilo]

There is no sense to some of these decisions. They are playing with people’s jobs and livelihood. 
 

A lot of the entertainment sector including gyms have spent a considerable amount of money to ensure their premises are Covid secure and to keep closing them down without any evidence that it is encouraging the spread is nonsense. 

[Emdog]

My take on this is the British people did a good job following government guidelines for months in belief that leadership had some level of expertise.

The gov has shown they are clueless at best

Totally understand why there is now a grassroots revolt against edicts that don't work, other than to drive people and businesses into poverty

From a Yank here in Thailand

[Baerboxer]

1 hour ago, Emdog said:

My take on this is the British people did a good job following government guidelines for months in belief that leadership had some level of expertise.

The gov has shown they are clueless at best

Totally understand why there is now a grassroots revolt against edicts that don't work, other than to drive people and businesses into poverty

From a Yank here in Thailand

 

Indeed. Look at all the EU countries. All floundering with governments re-imposing lockdowns, curfews, hybrids thereof etc. 

 

So much for great Western powers - including the USA, and Aussie. 

[Baerboxer]

16 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Good on him!

 

Are you going to pay his fines for him?

[Adam219]

59 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

Are you going to pay his fines for him?

 

at least this way he has a chance of his business surviving. true for thousands of businesses right now.

 

Should they start issuing fines in great numbers it'll give these businesses a cause to subscribe to and a possible push back on the governments measures nationwide.

Edited October 15, 2020 by Adam219

[JonnyF]

I suspect this is the thin end of the wedge.

 

The British public rolled over fairly meekly last time. I wouldn't expect them to do the same this time.

[Tongjaw]

3 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

 

Indeed. Look at all the EU countries. All floundering with governments re-imposing lockdowns, curfews, hybrids thereof etc. 

 

So much for great Western powers - including the USA, and Aussie. 

Don’t you read the news? Victoria in Australia are in lockdown, WA borders are closed to eastern states. Australia had minimal Covid cases due to them taking stringent measures right away. The USA is riddled with cases. 

[RayC]

I feel sympathy for all businesses that are suffering financially from this crisis, and I have strong reservations about how the government is handling things but - and it's a big 'but' - can people be allowed to pick and choose what laws they adhere to? Imo it seems like a fast track to anarchy.

[VBF]

3 hours ago, JonnyF said:

I suspect this is the thin end of the wedge.

 

The British public rolled over fairly meekly last time. I wouldn't expect them to do the same this time.

Agreed! In March there was a reason for all the "lockdown" stuff - now there is NOT!

Times have changed - the Government, for whom I voted ( ???? ) have NOT KEPT UP.

I'm fully expecting (though NOT advocating) a lot more civil disobedience here in UK in the very near future.

[from the home of CC]

if you exercise to the point of increased breathing it only makes sense more viral particles are being expelled, their arguments against closing are solely based on business than health - too bad you can't buy good health.. 

[Emdog]

2 hours ago, Tongjaw said:

Don’t you read the news? Victoria in Australia are in lockdown, WA borders are closed to eastern states. Australia had minimal Covid cases due to them taking stringent measures right away. The USA is riddled with cases. 

Right. I am a huge fan of Aus Rules footy. Heading towards grand final. Because Australia is doing a fairly proper job and get right on it when there is an outbreak, they have living breathing fans at the matches. Usually somewhere around 25-35,000 with social distancing (depends on venue).

Maybe if US, UK etc pushed promotion "Love football? Like concerts, going to theater? Then maybe change your behavior and take on some responsibility. Wear masks, wash hands, social distance. It's not rocket science."

[natway09]

All they need in the gym is one infected punter  doing a hard workout.

2 weeks later they WILL be closed

 

[sammieuk1]

Those of us stuck here on the hamster wheel of restrictions don't need a gym and as government funding gets slashed and those at the bottom of the pile face paying for covid and brexit there will be a winter of dissent as boris tries to navigate his bus down numerous dark back passages ???? 

[VBF]

3 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

if you exercise to the point of increased breathing it only makes sense more viral particles are being expelled, their arguments against closing are solely based on business than health - too bad you can't buy good health.. 

Ridiculous.

The people who go to Gyms are largely healthy, so even if they did become infected - so what?  They will probably be amongst the 99.8% who carry CV but are not sick - like any of us who haven't been tested might be. And if they do get sick....they knew and accepted the risk.

 

Again I say....the people who are nervous or have pre-existing conditions are at liberty to isolate / lockdown - let the majority of us "keep calm and carry on" and cease this total over-reaction!

Edited October 15, 2020 by VBF

[from the home of CC]

11 hours ago, VBF said:

Ridiculous.

The people who go to Gyms are largely healthy, so even if they did become infected - so what?  They will probably be amongst the 99.8% who carry CV but are not sick - like any of us who haven't been tested might be. And if they do get sick....they knew and accepted the risk.

 

Again I say....the people who are nervous or have pre-existing conditions are at liberty to isolate / lockdown - let the majority of us "keep calm and carry on" and cease this total over-reaction!

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/spinco-covid-outbreak-1.5759941

60 people caught it through this spin class in Canada. Who knows who they infected in their travels? You're referring to this 'herd immunity' plan it seems with your last statement. This 'plan' has been panned by every 'reputable' scientist in the world as a non starter. It was invented by those who believe that you can price in a life if it means your bottom line doesn't suffer. Basically a lack of empathy for human life, the key for many successful business folks. Sorry, not this time, for this stupid idea remains in the loon closet with the rest of the tin hat accessories. I'm of the opinion that people who risk others lives in this pandemic are the ones that need isolation. And if knowingly spreading this pox,  they should have their liberty removed till a vaccine is in place, perhaps ship them to an island like PNG.  You can see the absolute runaway disease conditions in the land of "keep calm and carry on" the result of many people looking after themselves only and not giving a **** about anyone else. Just see how that plays out in the next 5 months and then talk to me about reaction..

[VBF]

1 hour ago, from the home of CC said:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/spinco-covid-outbreak-1.5759941

60 people caught it through this spin class in Canada. Who knows who they infected in their travels? You're referring to this 'herd immunity' plan it seems with your last statement. This 'plan' has been panned by every 'reputable' scientist in the world as a non starter. It was invented by those who believe that you can price in a life if it means your bottom line doesn't suffer. Basically a lack of empathy for human life, the key for many successful business folks. Sorry, not this time, for this stupid idea remains in the loon closet with the rest of the tin hat accessories. I'm of the opinion that people who risk others lives in this pandemic are the ones that need isolation. And if knowingly spreading this pox,  they should have their liberty removed till a vaccine is in place, perhaps ship them to an island like PNG.  You can see the absolute runaway disease conditions in the land of "keep calm and carry on" the result of many people looking after themselves only and not giving a **** about anyone else. Just see how that plays out in the next 5 months and then talk to me about reaction..

And still you neatly avoid the fact that even if "infected" with CV, 99.8% of people do not actually get sick! Look at all the cases of students quarantined because a few have CV - they aren't sick people - just carriers spreading it around to other people who also don't get sick!

 

Yes of course, if you pass it to elderly, or those who have underlying conditions, it becomes serious but STILL the numbers do not justify the ridiculous over-reactions worldwide.

I repeat - advise the elderly and vulnerable to isolate, do not clamp down on the VAST majority of others. 

 

And as for the value of human life...better to have the choice of living to the full or isolating than to have this nonsense forced upon us all. Oh and I speak as one who is just on the margin of being classed as vulnerable due to age and health so not a totally selfish "yoof". 

[from the home of CC]

6 hours ago, VBF said:

And still you neatly avoid the fact that even if "infected" with CV, 99.8% of people do not actually get sick! Look at all the cases of students quarantined because a few have CV - they aren't sick people - just carriers spreading it around to other people who also don't get sick!

 

Yes of course, if you pass it to elderly, or those who have underlying conditions, it becomes serious but STILL the numbers do not justify the ridiculous over-reactions worldwide.

I repeat - advise the elderly and vulnerable to isolate, do not clamp down on the VAST majority of others. 

 

And as for the value of human life...better to have the choice of living to the full or isolating than to have this nonsense forced upon us all. Oh and I speak as one who is just on the margin of being classed as vulnerable due to age and health so not a totally selfish "yoof". 

obesity is considered an 'underlying condition', age notwithstanding - google obesity rates in various countries to see how many folks would get seriously ill and possibly die - that's the trouble, obesity rates alone (not even counting diabetes or those with compromised immune systems) could bring the number up to 40% of some countries populations. To even entertain this thinking is criminal but considering some countries responses so far, isn't surprising..

[VBF]

2 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

obesity is considered an 'underlying condition', age notwithstanding - google obesity rates in various countries to see how many folks would get seriously ill and possibly die - that's the trouble, obesity rates alone (not even counting diabetes or those with compromised immune systems) could bring the number up to 40% of some countries populations. To even entertain this thinking is criminal but considering some countries responses so far, isn't surprising..

I fail to see your point.  If you're obese or with a compromised immune system then you know it and can consider yourself to have an underlying condition and act accordingly....or NOT if you don't wish to!

 

By which I mean, if one is armed with all the information, one can make a calculated decision as to how one wishes to spend one's life. As I said above "I'm just on the margin of being classed as vulnerable due to age and health" and I have no problem continuing going out and living my life. I probably won't get CV; if I do, I probably won't get seriously ill; If I do I might die.....but better that than to cower away from everything and everyone!  

 

Other people who may have more serious conditions than I, may not agree, therefore their choices may be different and they may choose to isolate.... BUT FOR GOODNESS SAKES LET US ALL MAKE THAT CHOICE!!!

Edited October 16, 2020 by VBF

[from the home of CC]

35 minutes ago, VBF said:

I fail to see your point.  If you're obese or with a compromised immune system then you know it and can consider yourself to have an underlying condition and act accordingly....or NOT if you don't wish to!

 

By which I mean, if one is armed with all the information, one can make a calculated decision as to how one wishes to spend one's life. As I said above "I'm just on the margin of being classed as vulnerable due to age and health" and I have no problem continuing going out and living my life. I probably won't get CV; if I do, I probably won't get seriously ill; If I do I might die.....but better that than to cower away from everything and everyone!  

 

Other people who may have more serious conditions than I, may not agree, therefore their choices may be different and they may choose to isolate.... BUT FOR GOODNESS SAKES LET US ALL MAKE THAT CHOICE!!!

one can make a calculated decision? about the lives of others? by not following health guidelines asymptomatic spreaders will endanger others - do you not care about others? I am so happy this country has shut the door, just too many people out there that just don't care or just lack the education to make a rational decision..

[VBF]

20 minutes ago, from the home of CC said:

one can make a calculated decision? about the lives of others? by not following health guidelines asymptomatic spreaders will endanger others - do you not care about others? I am so happy this country has shut the door, just too many people out there that just don't care or just lack the education to make a rational decision..

Oh for goodness sake - PLEASE read what I wrote!

 

You make a calculated decision about yourself!!!!!!!

If you deem yourself at risk, then isolate to protect yourself, if not or if you are willing to take the gamble on possibly catching CV then carry on as normal.

 

In other words take responsibility for your own actions. It's really not difficult for anyone. That way the vulnerable people and / or those who are worried are protected which is what you are suggesting should happen and quite rightly so.

[from the home of CC]

1 hour ago, VBF said:

Oh for goodness sake - PLEASE read what I wrote!

 

You make a calculated decision about yourself!!!!!!!

If you deem yourself at risk, then isolate to protect yourself, if not or if you are willing to take the gamble on possibly catching CV then carry on as normal.

 

In other words take responsibility for your own actions. It's really not difficult for anyone. That way the vulnerable people and / or those who are worried are protected which is what you are suggesting should happen and quite rightly so.

that's where you're wrong, it isn't just about yourself - because it's a highly contagious virus means your personal actions can affect other peoples health - but you don't seem to grasp the concept (and unfortunately many others don't either hence the state of the deteriorating health of many nations) Anyways I'm done with this pointless discussion, bold on brother..