Sleaford MP proposes ‘Work Out to Help Out’ to fight off coronavirus

The Health Secretary is to consider a proposal by Sleaford and North Hykeham’s MP for a ‘Work Out to Help Out’ scheme to fight off coronavirus.
Dr Caroline Johnson, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham. EMN-191015-124924001Dr Caroline Johnson, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham. EMN-191015-124924001
Dr Caroline Johnson, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham. EMN-191015-124924001

With coronavirus local lockdowns forcing gyms and sports centres to close in numerous parts of the country such as Liverpool and London, Dr Caroline Johnson, the area’s Conservative MP floated the idea to Health Secretary Matt Hancock in the House of Commons yesterday (Thursday).

She said: “The Prime Minister has been very clear on the risk of obesity for those who get coronavirus, in that people who are obese have a more severe disease course than those who are slimmer.

“In tier three areas, however, many gyms are being closed and many sporting activities are being restricted. What are the Secretary of State and the Department (of Health) doing to ensure that we can encourage activity among people in those areas?

“Perhaps we could have a ‘work out to help out’ scheme, with free online activities targeted to each age group and each physical ability.”

She said afterwards that the scheme could help people get fitter, lose weight and improve outcomes.

Mr Hancock said that he “loved” the idea.

“It is undoubtedly true, from the science that I have seen, that obesity contributes to a worse impact for those who catch coronavirus. This is something the Prime Minister has spoken about with great passion, and it is something we want to tackle, so I will absolutely look into that idea.

“I would also say that we have changed the proposals for people who are shielding, even in the highest risk, tier three areas, who should always be clear that outdoor exercise is a good thing.”

In light of the latest Government announcements on lockdowns and intention to close gyms in the higher risk areas across the nation, Sophie Lawler, the chief executive of health club chain Total Fitness, has written an open letter to local leaders and central Government officials.

Ms Lawler says these fitness facilities should not be closed at a time when fitness communities need them most.

She said: “I understand deeply the great social value that our health clubs contribute to their communities and importantly I know the difference they make to the people that work out in our spaces.

“This isn’t about treadmills. It’s about people. People who are striving to live better, longer lives. And it’s about the people that serve them in their pursuit of that betterment.

“These are places where people find connection with themselves, find their purpose, and feel better.

“Fitness has saved me from myself on more than one occasion, and I join countless many others across the UK that will know that too, and more so now than ever.

“I don’t feel the need to repeat the abundantly clear connection between a health crisis response and our sector importance, nor the need to continually point to the data which evidences the covid-security of our setting.

“My message is simple: We are safe, and we are essential.”