NEWS
COVID-positive gym member did NOT spread the virus at Les Mills New Zealand club due to robust operating protocols
POSTED 02 Oct 2020 . BY Tom Walker
A COVID-19 positive member visited the Les Mills Takapuna club on two consecutive days - on 9 September and 10 September Credit: Les Mills
A COVID-19 positive gym member visited a club on consecutive days without infecting anyone while on site – further evidence that protocols at fitness facilities are maintaining them as safe spaces.

The unnamed healthcare worker visited Les Mills Takapuna club in Auckland, New Zealand on 9 September and 10 September – and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

While at the club, the person attended three group exercise classes – a Bodycombat class on both days, as well as a "Spring" class on 9 September.

After the positive test, The Ministry of Health identified 86 people who had come to close contact with the person – all who have since returned negative test results. 

The instructors who took the classes have also tested negative for COVID-19.

"In total, 255 casual contacts were also tested and they all returned a negative result," Les Mills said in a statement.

"In total, 341 negative test results have been returned, which is a testament to the distancing and cleaning efforts members are making, as well as the deep cleaning and other protective measures we have put in place."

Les Mills added that, after being notified of the positive test on 13 September, it worked closely with Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) to identify the time periods the person had spent at the club.

This helped the authorities act swiftly to conduct a contact tracing process.

"Due to the number of deep cleans that had been conducted since the infected person was at the club, and the cleaning undertaken in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines, ARPHS advised us that it was not necessary to close the club and that the club was safe to attend.

"However, still we conducted an additional full deep clean in the club followed by an anti-viral fogging treatment."

• To read more about the positive case and Les Mills' reaction to it, click here.
While at the club, the positive member attended three group classes Credit: Les Mills
RELATED STORIES
  Deloitte report: impact of COVID-19 on the European fitness market


European fitness operators will face increased consolidation, accelerated digitalisation and the new reality of creating hybrid models due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a large-scale report by Deloitte.
  Gyms in the UK are continuing to control COVID-19 – research


Gyms in the UK are continuing to successfully control COVID-19 transmisssion, according to the latest figures released by industry body, ukactive.
  US gyms are beating COVID-19


A study of gym visit data from the US suggests that health clubs and fitness facilities are not contributing to the spread of COVID-19.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - COVID-positive gym member did NOT spread the virus at Les Mills New Zealand club due to robust operating protocols...
06 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

02 Oct 2020

COVID-positive gym member did NOT spread the virus at Les Mills New Zealand club due to robust operating protocols
BY Tom Walker

A COVID-19 positive member visited the Les Mills Takapuna club on two consecutive days - on 9 September and 10 September

A COVID-19 positive member visited the Les Mills Takapuna club on two consecutive days - on 9 September and 10 September
photo: Les Mills

A COVID-19 positive gym member visited a club on consecutive days without infecting anyone while on site – further evidence that protocols at fitness facilities are maintaining them as safe spaces.

The unnamed healthcare worker visited Les Mills Takapuna club in Auckland, New Zealand on 9 September and 10 September – and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

While at the club, the person attended three group exercise classes – a Bodycombat class on both days, as well as a "Spring" class on 9 September.

After the positive test, The Ministry of Health identified 86 people who had come to close contact with the person – all who have since returned negative test results. 

The instructors who took the classes have also tested negative for COVID-19.

"In total, 255 casual contacts were also tested and they all returned a negative result," Les Mills said in a statement.

"In total, 341 negative test results have been returned, which is a testament to the distancing and cleaning efforts members are making, as well as the deep cleaning and other protective measures we have put in place."

Les Mills added that, after being notified of the positive test on 13 September, it worked closely with Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) to identify the time periods the person had spent at the club.

This helped the authorities act swiftly to conduct a contact tracing process.

"Due to the number of deep cleans that had been conducted since the infected person was at the club, and the cleaning undertaken in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines, ARPHS advised us that it was not necessary to close the club and that the club was safe to attend.

"However, still we conducted an additional full deep clean in the club followed by an anti-viral fogging treatment."

• To read more about the positive case and Les Mills' reaction to it, click here.



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal
Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal   05 Jun 2026

Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal .... more>>

Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi   05 Jun 2026

Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, .... more>>

Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships
Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships   05 Jun 2026

Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first world championship for running on connected treadmills over .... more>>

Company profile


Alliance Leisure

Alliance Leisure Services was specifically established to respond to the changing development needs of the public sector, education and growing leisure trust market.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd