Gyms and swimming pools are preparing to reopen across North Kent, with enforced closure due to coronavirus set to be lifted by the government on Saturday.

But while gym owners and customers will be keen to return, they will be walking, or jogging, into a strange new world of safety measures to help stop the spread of disease.

Danny Dhell, of Del's Fitness Centre in Queen Street, Gravesend, said he had taken steps to discuss best practice with gyms in other parts of the world where closure had already been lifted.

"We're going to be opening on Monday, but we're still waiting for official government guidelines," he said. "We're more of a martial arts gym, and we've got affiliations across the world, so we've been able to speak to colleagues in different countries that have come out of lockdown about the measures they've had to take.

"We've got a broad spectrum of what they're doing, and put their measures in place. If the government say you've got to do X,Y and Z then we can adapt.

"We'll have temperature checks on the door, we'll be limiting close distance in the building, and people will be doing solo drills rather than training with a partner. We're shortening class times, so there's only one group of people going in and out without interaction and there's time for us to clean between classes."

In Dartford, David Lloyd is set to open its gym on Saturday together with the rest of the fitness chain's gyms nationwide.

Glenn Earlam, David Lloyd Clubs chief executive welcomed the news, stating how: "mental and physical fitness has been proven to be key to enhancing the immune system, protecting people from this virus and illness generally.”

And he said keeping some facilities open during lockdown had provided insight into how to improve safety.

"Thanks to our large outdoor green spaces and tennis courts, we’re the only large health club operator that has been able to open for outdoor exercise during lockdown" he added. "This has given us the unique advantage of seeing how our clubs could operate safely and comfortably, by creatively utilising our generous spaces. We’ve effectively redesigned our layouts to ensure that strict social distancing and safety measures can be easily adhered to, while making sure that our members still have an enjoyable and premium experience with us.”

Dartford council's Fairfield Leisure Centre is due to reopen on Monday, August 3.

"Thank you for bearing with us while we’ve been closed," the centre posted on its website. "To begin with, our focus will be on the gym, classes and swimming pool until all our services can re-start safely, in line with government and industry guidelines. We will update the information for all other facilities and activities as soon as we know more."

The centre's gym and studio classes will both be available from August 3, while lane swimming is set to return on August 10, and swimming lessons to recommence from September 7.

Government guidance on safety measures include:

Limiting the number of people using facilities at any one time.

Reducing class sizes and allowing sufficient time between each class.

Monitoring the number of people in a swimming pool at any one time.

Spacing out equipment or taking some out of service to maintain social distancing.

Enhanced cleaning and providing hand sanitizer.

Adjusting walking routes through venues to reduce contact.

Ensuring adequate ventilation.

Encouraging the use of outdoor spaces for activities.

Using temporary floor markings in exercise or dance studios to help social distancing.

Encouraging customers and staff to shower and change at home wherever possible.

Read more: all the latest news from Gravesend.

Read more: all the latest news from Dartford.