Fitness sector pins reopening hopes on COVID vaccination

AMMAN — Saturday, May 22, has been allocated for employees in the sports industry to receive the COVID vaccine as part of the procedures for the resumption of work for closed sectors, according to the Jordanian Sports Clubs Union.

Ahmad Nawaiseh, Official Spokesperson for the Sports Clubs Union, noted that the union has coordinated with the Amman Chamber of Commerce and the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management to allocate a specific day for the sports’ sector workers, coaches, owners and managerial staff, “to help accelerate the return to work for the sector”.

“This is a proactive measure to reopen the closed sectors. A significant number of staff in the sector have already received the vaccine, and we have so far 300 names for vaccination on the scheduled day,” Nawaiseh told The Jordan Times on Thursday.

Nawaiseh said that there is “some confusion” regarding the exact day for reopening. “No official decision has been made yet, but we are hopeful that it will happen in the coming months,” he added.

Awn Kabariti, a gym owner in Amman, indicated that taking the vaccine is an important step towards reopening  gyms.

“We support the government's decisions in combating the virus, but our business has been closed for so long, and while adhering to all health measures and guidelines, no gym has ever been a hotspot of the virus,” Kabariti told The Jordan Times.

“Vaccinating employees and personnel is a smart idea, and probably many gym members will be vaccinated as well, so the virus' spread will be minimal,” Kabariti said.

“Since our industry is health and wellness, it is important for the government to recognise the importance of gyms and how many people depend on them for their livelihood. Gyms are also much easier to monitor than many other businesses, given that most gyms are small in size,” Kabariti said.

Kabariti called on the government to reopen fitness centres as soon as possible. 

“Many athletes who represent our country in different sports internationally and regionally have become demotivated, they need facilities to train. Unfortunately, many have been traveling to train abroad, which should not be the case. We are hoping that the government will listen to us sooner than later,” Kabariti noted.

Nancy Malkosh, a kickboxing instructor in Amman, stressed the importance of gyms and exercise in people's daily lives.

“Working out is not only necessary for physical health, but also for mental health," she said.

“I believe that vaccination is critical to overcoming the pandemic and returning to normal life; the decision is a positive move, and I hope that it is implemented as quickly as possible,” Malkosh told The Jordan Times.