More and more indoor pools are closing due to the 2G-plus rule - this also threatens the Fürthermare  

Created: 01/19/2022, 05:11 p.m

For many indoor swimming pools in Bavaria, operation is hardly worthwhile anymore because of the 2G plus rule.

(Iconic image) © Uwe Zucchi/dpa

The capacities were limited to a quarter, the regulations in the indoor pools were tightened.

Now the Fürthermare in Franconia is also threatened with closure. 

Fürth – There is a lot more going on in the Fürthermare thermal baths during normal operation than at present, even on a weekday.

The reason is the currently applicable 2G-plus rule, which requires visitors to be vaccinated, recovered and tested or boosted.

The people of Fürth are currently taking this hurdle: "It's a lot of work to make an appointment at the test center beforehand and plan everything," explains a visitor to BR.

Corona rules are causing problems for Fürthermare: 90 percent of the fixed costs remain

However, visitors are happy about fewer people in the swimming pool.

However, that is also bad, because the capacities are limited to 25 percent, which is no longer profitable, reports the BR.

90 percent of the fixed costs remained, no matter how many visitors come.

Despite the additional supporting program, the owners are currently in the red.

The Bavarian Baths Association is therefore now calling for a uniform 2G regulation, as in the catering trade.

Above all, however, the remaining framework conditions are decisive.

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equality requested

Last year, between 50 and 60 percent of the lockers in the pools and thermal baths were still occupied.

Why this has now been limited to 25 percent is completely unclear to Peter Berek, Chairman of the Bavarian Spa Association (BHV).

He has concepts that ensure “sufficient security”.

He also doesn't understand why they are treated worse here than the catering trade and calls for corrections in a conversation with BR, and quickly.

Horst Kiesel, managing director of the Fürthermare, explains that the few bathers who come during the week have to be compensated at the weekend and during the holidays.

However, this is currently not possible due to the restrictions.

It even goes so far that visitors come, but they have to be sent away due to the exhausted quota.

Fixed costs too high

Due to the recent renovation work, in which a lot of money was invested, the Fürthermare is currently being hit hard.

Due to the high fixed costs, they want to keep operations going for another three to four weeks - if there are no easing.

Otherwise, the Fürthermare, like many other pools in the region, will have to wait until the Corona * pandemic subsides.