Question reference: S5W-30338
- Asked by: Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 30 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 24 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reopen (a) swimming pools, (b) therapy pools and (c) gyms for people dependent on these to help deal with medical conditions.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises the importance of aquatic and other physical therapies to many people and will continue to gather the clinical evidence that would support the reopening of these services.
We will prepare guidance in consultation with sport scotland, Community Leisure Scotland, the Scottish Leisure Networking Group, Local Authorities, Leisure Trusts, Hospitality Sector, Trade Unions, Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and other partners in the sporting system to assist us in understanding the needs of facility operators in the sector whilst adhering to social distancing and hygiene measures and where additional guidance will be required for indoor sports facilities to open safely, no earlier than 31 July.
Careful consideration has been given to facilities which are utilised by the public for aquatic therapy, rehabilitation and exercise. Hydro pools are considered in line with any aquatic return and can be reopened when other pools are.