The Fitness industry has been from suffering business loss due to COVID-19.
Centre for Health Protection figures show 122 cases related to the cluster outbreak in Ursus Fitness in Sai Ying Pun is reported as of March 15. It is now the second-largest cluster outbreak in Hong Kong.
Fitness centres were closed due to government measures to reduce infection risk. It has been less than a month that the city’s fitness industry resumed its business on February 18th, 2021.
Many fitness coaches had no income when gym centres were closed, as all classes were cancelled.
But they still had to cover the rents and maintenance fees of their gym centres. Coaches and sportsmen trainers are disappointed by the government’s response to their sufferings. They criticized the government’s response as being too careless and unaware of the current situation of the industry.
In this issue of Varsity, we look into the fitness industry in Hong Kong. Our reporters interviewed coaches and fitness centres owners, to find out their difficulties and how they coped with online classes.
The gyms and fitness centres have been through so many changes throughout the year fighting against COVID-19. Now they are facing more uncertainties and difficulties even after the reopening. Seems nothing is predictable, and everything is out of control.
Varsity also explores other social issues such as the telemedicine development, young couples’ sex vacation, struggles of a student with an Ethnic minority background goes through, the K-pop industry, innovative virtual art, and Christian music in Hong Kong. Our reporters in mainland China report about young gay men under family pressure and the podcast industry in the country.
Enjoy the read, and we wish all the best for everyone. Stay safe and healthy!
Sarah Ryou
Chief Editor
