Covid-19 safety data for gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres has been presented to the Government this week in a move to prioritise “very low” risk centres when lockdown measures are eased. 

Reports say gyms and hairdressers may stay shut until at least April as Prime Minister Boris Johnson focuses on reducing levels of infection across the country.

When will hairdressers reopen in England? - What we know so far

However, Mr Johnson is keen to ease exercise rules as long as they apply to socially distanced sports.

The news comes as a petition to prioritise the reopening of gyms has now passed 182,000, with Parliament considering all that get more than 100,000 signatures for a debate.

People in England are currently allowed to meet one person from another household daily for outdoor activity.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The Government issued a response to the petition through its Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on Tuesday February 9. 

It said: "Sports and physical activity are incredibly important for our physical and mental health, and are a vital weapon against coronavirus.

"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."

Isle of Wight County Press: Gym equipment is cleaned prior to reopening (David Davies/PA)Gym equipment is cleaned prior to reopening (David Davies/PA)

Outdoor sports venues were made to shut at the start of the latest lockdown, along with gyms, yoga studios and swimming pools.

The PM announced earlier this month that the third lockdown will continue until at least March 8, with scientists warning pubs and restaurants may remain closed until May.

The Island's One Leisure gyms had implemented a booking procedure, with members spraying and wiping equipment after use, and staff providing a deep clean for the facilities during staggered 15 minute closures between sessions.

Evolution Gym in Ryde, meanwhile, was the first Isle of Wight business to be fined for breaching Covid rules last month, receiving fixed penalty notices totalling £2,400 for breaking coronavirus rules during the lockdown.

Ryde's Evolution gym fined for breaching coronavirus rules