Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Thursday 14th January 2021

Sports facilities are crucial for adults and children to stay active. That’s why we have continued to make sure that people can exercise throughout the national and local tiered restrictions.

The importance of sport and physical activity for the nation’s physical and mental health has never been more apparent. They are a powerful defence against the covid-19 pandemic, and we will need to raise levels of fitness among the population as we prepare to return to our normal lives, now the vaccination programme has begun.

No government would want to be in a position of needing to close gyms. They give enormous health benefits and are large employers. We could not though allow the healthcare system to be overwhelmed so we were required to introduce the current national lockdown.

The National Restrictions are designed to get the R rate under control through limiting social contact and reducing transmissions. All decisions made by the Government relating to the pandemic and sport, including the closure of gyms, have been based on advice from health and scientific experts.

You can though continue to exercise alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area. You should maintain social distancing.

You can exercise in a public outdoor place which include:
● parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests,
● public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them),
● the grounds of a heritage site,
● Playgrounds.


Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Parliamentary Debate

This petition was debated in Parliament on Monday 22nd March 2021

See Debate Details