Authorities in Qatar closed down a popular fitness centre over public health concerns, a ministry statement said.

Popular fitness centre OxFitness Lab has been shut down for 15 days, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on its Twitter page on Thursday, over public health concerns.

The gym failed to follow preventive measures set by the government to maintain public health amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the statement added.

The ministry stated that the gym, located in the Gate Mall, is to be shut down from September 17 for two weeks, noting the period could be extended if necessary.

In a statement to Doha News, OxFitness Lab vowed to make swift changes to abide by the health measures.

“We respect the decisions made by MOCI and MOPH and appreciate their continuous efforts to keep our society and country safe,” the statement said.

“During this time, we will be working with them closely to implement additional and effective precautionary measures within our facility to ensure a safer environment for us all,” it added.

Earlier this month, a number of customers and staff contracted COVID-19 in closed-space gym areas, including OxFitness.

On September 5, OxFitness posted a statement confirming positive cases linked to one of the classes at the centre. Customers initially said they were told classes were cancelled over a “family emergency” related to the instructor.

Shortly after, authorities announced several updates to instructions issued on July 28 for the third phase of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions imposed on gymnasiums.

Read also: Spread of COVID-19 in closed-space gyms causes panic

Among the rules were the cancellation of all group exercises, mandatory mask-wearing at the gym, a minimum of 3 metres social distancing, and closure of toilets and changing rooms.

In a statement published on September 8, the ministry urged all gyms in the country to adhere to precautionary and preventive measures to stem the spread of the virus and a potential second wave.

“Any violation of the provisions exposes the perpetrators to legal procedures and accountability. The Ministry affirms that the success of each stage of the comprehensive plan for the gradual lifting of restrictions depends on the commitment of all,” the ministry said.

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