The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Government has on Saturday allowed gymnasiums and fitness centres to reopen from Dussehra in strict compliance with preventive measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, group exercises including Zumba, and steam and sauna baths will not be allowed.
"Gymnasiums and fitness centres are for the welfare of citizens, so care should be taken to ensure that there is no virus spread. The SoPs should be strictly followed," Uddhav said. He was speaking at a virtual meeting with representatives of gyms and fitness centres.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole 'hoped' the Chief Minister would also allow re-opening places of worship before Dusshera, which falls on October 25.
Taking to Twitter, the MLA from Pune's Shivajinagar said, "Looking forward to Hon. CM @OfficeofUT ji announcing re-opening of places of worship. Hopefully devotees are allowed to return to, pray and seek blessings from their dieties before #Dusshera and begin the new phase of our lives with postive energy & renewed optimism."
Shirole also said the re-opening of gyms and fitness centres was "great news". "Finally ! Great news for Gym patrons, owners, operators and trainers. Gymnasiums & Fitness Centers across Maharashtra will be allowed to re-open from #Dussehra. Thank you Hon. CM @OfficeofUT ji for accepting the demands of all gym goers across Maharashtra," he wrote.
Meanwhile, Thackeray on Saturday said the state government was going slow on lifting COVID-19 restrictions because there should be no complacency.
