Two Leisure Centres have reopened today

Two Brio Leisure centres have reopened today, after a temporary closure yesterday, as a safety measure to keep customers and staff safe.

Brio and Cheshire West and Chester Council were notified of an individual at Winsford Lifestyle Centre feeling unwell with some signs of COVID-19 and, as a precaution, temporarily closed Winsford Lifestyle Centre to undertake a deep clean.

We were also been notified of a Northwich Memorial Court customer who has tested positive for COVID-19, so the centre closed with immediate effect. Anyone who has come into close contact with the customer will be contacted by the NHS to inform them they must stay at home for 14 days to protect their families, friends and communities.

Both centres then underwent a thorough deep cleaning and disinfecting process, in line with Brio Leisure’s Emergency Action Plan, before reopening today, Tuesday.

These are isolated incidents and affected Winsford Lifestyle Centre and Northwich Memorial Court only. No other Brio centres were impacted by the closures and remained open as normal.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “We would like to reassure customers that there are robust measures in place at all our centres to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and that these closures at the two centres were in place to enable thorough cleaning following these two separate cases.”

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health for west Cheshire, said: “We work alongside Brio to follow the latest government guidelines and national industry advice and are happy that the centres are safe places to enjoy exercise.

“Our advice remains to everyone that if you are feeling unwell, play your part by staying at home to protect lives and do not hold off on getting a free test by calling the NHS on 119.

“Please do not visit any places, including leisure centres, a GP surgery or a pharmacy, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms - get a test to check if you have Coronavirus and stay at home until you get your result.

“If you feel well, the advice remains to please continue to follow government guidelines, maintaining two-metre social distancing wherever possible and continuing to regularly wash your hands.”

The centres re-opened this morning after the deep-clean was completed and signed off.

Brio Leisure is a Council-owned community interest company which runs leisure services on behalf of the Council.

To get a Coronavirus test call 119 or visit nhs.uk/coronavirus.