Gyms in the UK could reopen by mid-July, according to a tweet, just posted by culture minister, Oliver Dowden.

In a bid to contain the immediate outcry from both the public and the fitness industry at the news that pubs will reopen before gyms, Dowden has tweeted:

"GYMS"

"Many people keen to hit the gym and keeping Britain fit is key in COVID battle.

"We've made lots of progress and I know steps businesses have taken to make their spaces and equipment safe.

"Subject to public health, our aspiration is to reopen gyms and leisure facilities in mid-July."

The fitness industry has undergone a revolution in preparing to operate during COVID-19, setting standards, revising SOPs and lobbying government – something Dowden acknowledges.

The government had been briefing that gyms would be included in the reopening plans for 4 July, but this did not come to fruition and in today's briefing, Boris Johnson said they would be delayed and gave no indication of the likely opening date.

Dowden has moved to reassure the industry on this point. Time will tell if this is an accurate statement.

Why this point could not have been included in the prime minister's briefing is not yet clear.

GYMS

Many people keen to hit the gym & keeping Britain fit is key in Covid battle

We’ve made lots of progress & I know steps businesses have taken to make their spaces & equipment safe

Subject to public health, our aspiration is to reopen gyms & leisure facilities in mid-July

— Oliver Dowden (@OliverDowden) June 23, 2020