Pure Closes Three Central Branches For A Fortnight

Three branches of a well-known gym in Central are shutting their doors for 14 days after they learnt that two men with coronavirus had been there. The two 29-year-olds, who had recently visited the Pure gym, were among 16 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Hong Kong on Thursday.

The Pure Fitness company had initially said the three branches - in ICBC Tower, California Tower and Kinwick Centre - had been deep cleaned and would remain open. But the company quickly overturned the decision, putting out a statement early on Thursday evening.

"In light of the two confirmed cases of Covid-19... we have made the decision to close these centres with immediate effect, reopening on April 3, in line with the Centre for Health Protection's guidance regarding an incubation period of up to 14 days," it said.

The company said it would offer members 14-days of temporary suspension and that it would use a disinfectant that meets standards set by the USA's Environmental Protection Agency against the Coronavirus. It also said it would work with the Centre for Health Protection and follow its guidance.

But not all gym-goers were concerned.

"No, I'm totally fine," one member called Emily said outside the Kenwick Centre branch. "It seems like they disinfect every time."

She said she had been to the gym on Monday, the same day as one of the infected men.

The company also said it was closing all of its other branches for two days starting on Friday.