THE news that sport and leisure facilities, as well as team sports, can reopen by the end of July has been welcomed throughout Northumberland.

Rise, a recent amalgamation between Northumberland Sport and Tyne & Wear Sport, was delighted with Thursday's annoncement.

It's chief executive, Clare Morley, said: “The Government’s announcement regarding the re-opening of sport and leisure facilities, and the opportunity for team sports to begin to resume, is extremely welcome news.  

“When lockdown commenced, we worked hard with our partners to support people across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear to remain as active as possible either at home or outdoors in their local neighbourhood, recognising that keeping moving and trying to take regular exercise was a vital ingredient in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

“This announcement means there will be a greater number and variety of opportunities for our communities to be active, therefore the chance for even more people to find or return to the right activity for them will very soon be available. The benefits that this affords to physical and mental wellbeing cannot be underestimated.

“It is vital now that everyone involved in delivering sport and physical activity across our region pays close attention to the Government guidance as well as the guidance that will shortly be issued by each individual National Governing Body of sport in order to ensure a safe return to participation.”

A spokesperson for Active Northumberland, which operates leisure facilities throughout the county on behalf of Northumberland County Council, said: "We are delighted with the positive news from the Government about the reopening of leisure centres.

"Your patience is much appreciated as we take time to review the guidance, and work towards welcoming you all back safely to our centres."

Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres are reopening in England later this month but there's a raft of new rules that people will need to follow.

Fresh government guidance on how such facilities will operate has been published ahead of their staggered reopening throughout July.

Earlier this week the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced the reopening of gyms and leisure venues after three months of closure.

We've looked at this government guidance and rounded up everything you need to know about your visit to the gym. 

Key dates

The culture secretary has announced that outdoor pools will be allowed to reopen from July 11, with indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities able to reopen from July 25. Outdoor gyms were able to reopen on July 4.

The main rules for leisure facilities

- Customers and staff should be encouraged to shower and change at home wherever possible, although changing rooms will be available.

- Limiting the number of people using the facility at any one time, for example by using a timed booking system.

- Staggering entry times with other venues and taking steps to avoid queues building up in surrounding areas.

- Reducing class sizes and allowing sufficient time between each class to avoid groups waiting outside during changeover.

- Ensuring an appropriate number of people are in a swimming pool at any one time.

- Spacing out equipment or taking some out of service to maintain social distancing.

- Enhanced cleaning and providing hand sanitizer throughout venues.

- Considering how the way people walk through their venue could be adjusted to reduce contact, with queue management or one-way systems.

- Ensuring adequate ventilation.

- Encouraging the use of outdoor spaces for individual, team or group activities, making sure to comply with the latest restrictions on public gatherings.

- Exercise or dance studios should have temporary floor markings where possible to help people stay distanced during classes.

Among these measures loud music is discouraged to avoid patrons from shouting and potentially transmitting Covid-19.

What the Government has said:

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "The reopening of gyms is the news millions across the country have been waiting for with many people desperate to jump on a spinning bike or dive into a pool.

"Our comprehensive guidance will ensure gyms, pools and leisure centres have the support they need to reopen safely for their customers and staff.
"Helping people return to gyms safely will also help the nation get match-fit to defeat this virus."