Tara Murray
Brimbank businesses suffered a major setback last week, with many set to remain shut indefinitely.
The state government last week announced a range of restrictions that could ease when 70 per cent of eligible people were vaccinated, but there was no time frame for businesses to reopen.
AB Health & Fitness in Keilor Park is one business that remains shut.
Aaron Nauta said it was very disappointing that there was no opening date in sight.
“It was our hope to at least have some sort of map to open,” he said.
“We were hoping to be able to open in October or at least be able to run outdoor classes.
“We’re pretty much now waiting for 70 to 80 per cent of people to be fully vaccinated, which means another two months we’re shut for.
“Gyms are normally one of the last things to open as well.”
Mr Nauta said for many people, going to the gym was for their mental health and they were part of a little community.
He said that the gym has taken its whole normal program online in each of the lockdowns.
“We have 30 classes a week,” he said. “We’ve got this massive space that is empty.
“We’ve had some people not renew their memberships, which has cost us money and it’s hard enough to get people into the gym to start with.”
Mr Nauta paid tribute to the members who had helped keep all staff on board during the lockdowns.
He admits though that if the lockdowns continue that could change.
“The government support is just enough to pay wages,” he said
“We still have to pay rent and the landlord hasn’t given us any leniency with that.”
It comes as there were 246 cases announced on Monday, the highest during this outbreak.
