Coronavirus: Sunderland's leisure centres remain open until ‘Government advises otherwise’

Everyone Active, which manages Sunderland City Council’s centres, has said the complexes will “remain open until the Government advises otherwise.”

The council has already confirmed it has closed its libraries and museums “for the foreseeable future” as well as its Derwent Hill outdoor education centre.

It comes after the NHS recommended social distancing and taking steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially to those said to be at greater risk, with anyone with symptoms told to stay at home for seven days, with anyone living with someone with symptoms to say at home for 14 days from the time the person first showed signs of the illness.

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Everyone Active, which runs Sunderland Aquatic Centre, Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre, the Raich Carter Centre in Hendon, Hetton Pool and Washington Leisure Centre, has said it has made changes to its operations to try and minimise risk.

These include reducing our group exercise classes to 50% occupancy in line with Public Health England guidance about social distancing and 🧍↔️🧍

finishing classes 10 to 15 minutes early to allow for thorough cleaning of equipment between sessions.

It has also closed its cafes, with a takeaway service still available.

It added: “We’re working hard, all of us, members and colleagues alike, to keep our centres working and our communities active.”

At the weekend, Hotpod Yoga, which is based at the Silksworth centre, said it had temporarily halted its classes, with memberships put on hold and virtual classes shared on YouTube to help people keep fit at home.

It said it was “gutted” to make the decision, but was the sensible thing to do following advice for people to keep their distance from each other.

Parkruns across the country have already been cancelled for a month in light of the issue.

The Beacon of Light, which neighbours the Aquatic Centre, has confirmed it has halted sports sessions it usually hosts.

Leisure centres and libraries in South Tyneside have already been closed by the borough's council.