Journalism of Courage
As there is a possibility of the H1N1 virus spreading though steam baths and other exercise equipment that a large number of people routinely use,gymnasiums in the city are taking no chances. Also faced with a steep decline in the attendance,many of them are voluntarily shutting down.
While some are still deliberating over the closure,others have chosen to shut shop as a precautionary measure. We have decided to close our gym from today. In fact,there is a drastic decrease in the number,with only 15 members seen today as against the capacity of over 450. We had been providing masks for the past few days and our staff-observed customers to identify symptoms,if any. However,I am surprised how the officials concerned have not taken any decision on the closure, said Pervez Shaiik,COO,Air Life Studio.
There has been a decline of around 80 per cent in the number of people working out in the last few days. However,we are yet to take a decision. For the remaining members,there are precaution charts being put up,use of disinfectants is compulsory and we are keeping a watch to detect symptoms , said Arun Kumar branch manager,Talwalkars Gym,Koregaon Park.
Solaris Fitness World will close all its branches in the city from today as a precautionary measure against Swine Flu till August 16 said the management. Some other centers like the World Gym were yet to decide on closing,others like the VLCC Health center has made the N95 masks and hand sanitizers mandatory although there is an average decrease by 70 percent in the turnout.
