Durban - The DA has called on the government to re-open Pilates, yoga and other studios albeit under strict Covid-19 safety guidelines.
These studios have been shut down for more than three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic lockdown – they can no longer afford to watch helplessly as their revenue dry up, according to the DA's Henro Kruger.
He said while some industries, such as restaurants have slowly been attuned to reopen under measured lockdown regulations, Pilates, yoga and other studios, have not yet been given a thumbs up.
"The owners of these businesses, majority of which are females who desperately need the income, have not had access to a sustainable income for the entire lockdown period and they run the risk of permanently closing down their businesses putting many more people out of jobs.
"Not only are the business owners at risk, but this will have a major ripple effect on service providers whose businesses are reliant on these studios to survive. These include small businesses such as costume seamstresses, yoga and Pilates equipment and clothing manufacturers, cleaning staff and many instructors – people’s livelihoods are at stake," he said.
Kruger said the industry fell under non-contact sport and is operated in a controlled and safe environment. He said the industry was able to adjust, more readily that other industries, to the current realities.
"We are of the view that if non-contact sport codes are allowed in a controlled safe environment then the same privilege should be extended to yoga, Pilates and other studios," he said.
According to Kruger, another grouping in the fitness sector has approached the courts to compel the government to open gyms.
"In an effort to persuade the government to reopen their sector, a group of small business and health industry specialists in the disciplines of Pilates, yoga and other specialised discipline have banded together to form The Specialized Studio Practitioners Foundation. The group has proactively adjusted their studios and have ensured that they are thoroughly cleaned to meet with the required health and safety standards," he said.
Kruger said this industry shows readiness and has all the needed protocols in place, they understand the restrictions on indoor wellness activities and have all their ducks in a row to ensure health and safety for their clients during the Covid-19 pandemic.