Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
1026. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if the 50-person restriction for indoor gatherings refers to the whole building in the case of a gym regardless of its size; if the size of the area in the building can be taken into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14854/20]
View answerSince 29 June, as part of Phase 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business, gyms are permitted to open. Gym owners/operators are advised to consult the public health advice which can be found on the government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/#cultural-social-and-sport-measures. The measures that are recommended include that those responsible for reopening these facilities carry out a risk assessment before reopening to manage the public health risk for their customers, attendees, participants, and staff. The assessment should consider the risk factors for getting COVID-19, that is Distance, Activity, Time and Environment, and include controls such as managed entry, improved hygiene facilities, and regular cleaning to limit these. Facilities that reopen should observe physical distancing guidelines and apply the public health checklist to their operation. Furthermore, facilities reopening with a return of staff should apply the Return to Work Safely Protocol (see https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/22829a-return-to-work-safely-protocol/). This has been designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Regulation 5 of the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 234 of 2020) provides that a person shall not organise, or cause to be organised, an indoor event (a gathering of persons) for cultural, entertainment, recreational, sporting, social, community or educational reasons other than where the maximum number of persons attending, or proposed to attend, the indoor event (for whatever reason) does not exceed 50 persons.
People separately planning to attend a gym would not constitute an “event” or “gathering.”
