THE Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has closed its fitness centre and visitor centre, in an attempt to create a safe training environment for athletes during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Effective after today (March 18), public-facing facilities on the AIS site will be closed to the broader community, including the AIS aquatic and fitness centre, the AIS visitor centre including public tours, shop, café, the AIS arena, the AIS track and field centre and other facilities. Public events and community sporting camps will also cease, AIS says.

“We don’t underestimate the value of the AIS campus to the community, particularly Canberra’s community, and we have every intention of resuming business as usual when we see it appropriate,” says AIS CEO Peter Conde.

“However, with preparations continuing for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics later this year, we are doing everything we can to support Australia’s athletes, coaches and sports to minimise any disruption to their training.

“We do acknowledge the risks associated with the rapidly-changing environment around COVID-19 and have committed to regularly updating sport with relevant information about the AIS campus.”

At this stage, AIS says the suspension of public activity on site will remain in place until at least April 27.