(Geneva, December 8, 2020) The fitness sector, which accounts for around 1,000 jobs in Geneva, was not included by the Geneva Council of State in the relief measures adopted in November 2020. No date has been brought forward by the authorities for the reopening and no economic aid is currently planned for companies in the sector.
The approximately 100,000 active people of Geneva are in the greatest perplexity, without the opportunity to do their usual training, and at a time when health and fitness are more important than ever. Companies in the sector also do not benefit from the economic aid provided by the canton to companies in serious difficulties. This could result in the exclusion of many companies active in this sector, which plays an important role in the economic fabric. In fact, around 1,000 jobs in Geneva are currently affected and are desperately waiting for the recognition they deserve. The entire sector holds its breath every Wednesday and hopes in vain for a sign from the Council of State. IG Fitness Switzerland, the industry's umbrella organization, is sounding the alarm and calling for a rapid response from the authorities with regard to the reopening of gyms and a dialogue about the necessary financial support.
Since the first semi-final was released last spring, the industry has worked tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of its members with the help of IG Fitness. It applies a proven safety protocol and protection plan and does so throughout Switzerland, where clubs are open. Constant wearing of masks, social distancing, reduced capacity, a significant increase in the frequency of club cleaning: Everything has been done to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the practice of sport. The figures speak for themselves: 5.3 positive Covid-19 cases per 100,000 visits were recorded across Switzerland in October. Since May 2020, no outbreak of Covid-19 infection has been formally identified at a fitness center in Switzerland.
A few simple facts explain this:
Nevertheless, the fitness centers remain closed. Even worse, they're not even mentioned in official communications anymore, even though they were until October. Logic would dictate that they can reopen at the same time as the catering establishments.
Between high fixed costs (rents for areas of 500 to 5,000 square meters) and non-existent income during closing times, all players in the area are on the ground. Apart from HRT, no aid is foreseen for them. Even worse, there has been no financial support for the fitness industry to date, meaning that there is no sign of anything in the short, medium or long term. The survival of many players in the sector is therefore at risk unless an economic solution is found quickly. In fact, the immediate and future losses caused by the long closing times and the uncertainty associated with the reopening are putting too much strain on their financial capacities.
Fitness clubs are asking to welcome their members back with a strict health and safety protocol, in line with the system successfully applied by November 2. The fitness industry is part of the healthcare industry and should be considered as such. If Genevans can shop again, visit museums and soon go to restaurants, cinemas and theaters, why shouldn't they focus on their health and immune defenses to fight the virus? How can we justify this unequal treatment and the banishment of an entire sector of the Geneva economy? The entire industry is asking itself this question.
For Holmes Place Geneva
Blaise Languin
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