China suffers with SARS

The Chinese health and fitness industry is still reeling from the flu-like virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The Beijing Sports Office issued a recommendation on 30 April, that all fitness centres would be temporarily closed, to avoid the spread of the illness which is thought to be spread by infected respiratory secretions.

Nirvana, which has two clubs in Beijing, has decided to close its fitness facilities until the Beijing Sports Office lifts the warning.

As well as affecting operators in the short term, developments plans for operators such as Gold's Gym, Bally Total Fitness and Alexander which all had plans to open sites in Beijing may be put on hold. NIrvana also had plans to open a third site in Beijing in 2004.

Meanwhile, the Asiafit exhibition and conference, which is organised by Hong Kong based Neway International Trade Fairs Ltd has been cancelled for 2003. It was due to take place in Shanghai in September. The event will now take place in the early part of 2004. It will remain in Shanghai.