High Life Highland 'ready to welcome customers back' to pools and gyms as coronavirus restrictions are eased
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High Life Highland is ready to reopen more facilities after the First Minister announced gyms and swimming pools can welcome customers back from August 31.
The opening date – earlier than the indicative date of September 14 previously flagged by Nicola Sturgeon – is dependent on the Covid-19 infection rate remaining low, but High Life Highland (HLH) chief executive Steve Walsh said: "I am absolutely delighted with the news that we are able to welcome our customers back earlier than we had first thought.
"We have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes in preparation for September and I am pleased to be able to confirm that we are ready and raring to go from Monday, August 31."
High Life Highland operates gyms and swimming pools across the Highlands, all of which have been closed since March 20.
Mr Walsh continued: "The announcement today is what we have all been waiting for and is the most significant step in our bounceback campaign so far.
"We have had to make changes to the way we operate to accommodate enhanced cleaning, one-way systems, social distancing measures and booking systems, but we are most certainly ready-to-go.
“We will be in contact with our customers over next few days to let them know what to expect when they visit one of our centres."
The news means HLH will be able to bring staff back from furlough.
"On Monday 31st we take a massive step towards normality for both our customers and staff who I know have been keen to return to their local venues," Mr Walsh added.
"I would therefore take this opportunity to thank them all for their patience and understanding during these very unprecedented times."
Related article: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says gyms and swimming pools can reopen on August 31
