GYMS, swimming pools and beauty salons across the conurbation are busy preparing their facilities, following the government’s announcement on Thursday.

Recreational cricket, outdoor pools and outdoor theatres will be able to open from today, whilst beauticians, tattooists, spas and salons are able to welcome back customers on Monday July 13.

Chic Beauty Salon announced they had received an "incredibly high amount of bookings requests" since the government announcement on Thursday afternoon and will be offering a limited service when the reopen on Saturday July 18.

However indoor gyms, indoor pools and leisure centre will have to wait until Saturday July 25 before they can open their doors to the public.

Soon after the government’s announcement, a number of gyms across Bournemouth, Pooel and Christchurch including The Gym, PureGym and 180 Strength announced their measures for reopening.

BH Live have announced they will be opening selected gyms from Saturday July 25, including Littledown, Pelhams, Stokewood and Corfe Mullen.

Gym sessions will need to be booked in advance, and gyms will also be running a temporary timetable for exercise classes.

In an announcement on their website, BH Live said: “We will start to reopen centres and facilities on a phased approach plus we’ve temporarily introduced service changes to keep you, and us, safe.

“So while some of these changes may feel a bit restrictive, we ask our customers to work with us, support us and to play your part in helping us get back to normal service.

“These changes have been adopted by the whole leisure sector and reflect the necessary measures we have taken to enable our customers to keep active at this time.”

Cleaning regimes at gyms will be stepped up and hygiene stations are to be introduced in high-touch areas with hand sanitiser, disinfectant and sanitising wipes.

The use of face masks and disposable gloves will not be enforced by gym but will be left up to the participants discretion. Instead of gloves, people are advised to sanitise their hands before and after using each piece of equipment.

Customers and staff will be encouraged to shower and change at home wherever possible, although changing rooms will be available.

Ross Kirton, Head of UK Leisure Agency at Colliers International said: “The UK Government was facing an unenviable dilemma.

“Whilst the prospect of a second wave of infections is very real, the damage which is being done by the continued closure is also an unavoidable truth, with potential for long-term damage to tens of thousands of businesses and the prospect of mass unemployment a very real threat.

“Some customers will be naturally cautious, or for the short-term, they may look to continue with their home workouts so this will help with initial social distancing measures at gyms and fitness clubs.”