Three leading Nordic fitness chains have closed their clubs as a precautionary measure against the spread of Coronavirus, effective from noon on 12 March.

Among them is the region's largest operator SATS, which has around 250 clubs and 700,000 members across Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. SATS said the shutdown would initially last for 14 days and would affect all of its clubs.

"As a market leader in the Nordics, it is important for SATS to take an extended responsibility and contribute to the overall public health, also in a difficult situation like this," the company said in a statement to HCM.

"The decision is in line with the company’s vision of making people healthier and happier.

"During the shutdown, all memberships will be put on hold, but we will offer all our members online exercises, so everyone can keep their healthy habits.

"We will update our members continuously."

Other chains to have closed their gyms are Danish gym giant Fitness World – which operates more than 170 sites in Denmark – and fellow Danish company Loop Fitness, with more than 110 clubs in the country.

It is believed that more chains will follow and announce closures in the coming days.

On 11 March, the Swedish government confirmed the first fatality linked to the COVID-19 strain in the Nordics. The patient was elderly with underlying health conditions.