Sports lovers, fitness freaks a worried lot as Covid cases spike

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4

A sudden spike in Covid-19 cases is haunting fitness freaks and sports lovers as they fear closure of sports complexes and fitness centres.

Though the UT Administration is yet to take a final call, sources maintained that the authorities may follow Punjab’s new guidelines issued earlier today. The neighbouring state ordered restrictions on the usage of sports complexes. As per the new restrictions, imposed till January 15, sports complexes in Punjab, including swimming pools, will be only opened for professional players preparing for competitions.

In Chandigarh, local sports complexes are one-stop place for fitness freaks and sports lovers as these offer good facilities. The UT had recently ordered opening of sports complexes and swimming pools for general public.

The final call is expected to be taken in the next war-room meeting, headed by the UT Administrator, scheduled for Thursday.

“The sudden rise in cases is a cause of concern. Minimising gatherings won’t harm anyone, but it should not be extended for a longer period like last year. Sports complexes attract several people and all of them are fit to survive. The Administration should consider all aspect, if they plan any closure,” said Amit, a badminton freak.

“Instead of closing the complexes, the Administration should extend usage hours of the complexes. This will help them in breaking the regular flow of users. The complexes can be opened on alternative days for regular users,” said Anupama, a swimming enthusiast.

Meanwhile, sources claimed nothing had been finalised as of now. “There has been no communication on the issue by the authorities. We will follow the UT Administration’s instructions. Till then, the facilities will remain operational,” said a senior official.