(Photo by Danielle Cerullo on Unsplash)
Aug. 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Work out aficionados can rejoice as gyms and fitness centers will be able to reopen next week after nearly five months of statewide closures, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today.
Gyms are permitted to reopen as soon as Monday, Aug. 24, subject to several restrictions. The operators, for instance, must limit their maximum capacity to one-third– and gym members and employees must wear masks at all times in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Local health departments must also inspect each gym either before it reopens or within two weeks of its opening to make sure the operators are following all health requirements. Each gym’s HVAC system, must be updated to meet state guidelines.
Cuomo says the localities must open the gyms by Sept. 2.
Gyms can open as soon as August 24 at 33% capacity with mandatory mask wearing and other strict health measures.
HVAC systems must meet guidelines.
Localities must inspect every gym before it opens or within 2 weeks of opening.
Localities must enforce regulations.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 17, 2020
Local governments will be in charge of deciding whether to allow fitness classes at gyms.
“Some gyms have classes,” Cuomo said. “Localities can decide whether or not those classes can be undertaken.”
New York City announced after Cuomo’s press conference that it will not be allowing indoor fitness classes at this time.
Indoor museums, aquariums and other cultural institutions can also open on Aug. 24 at 25 percent maximum capacity, after their initial reopening date was postponed.
The museums and cultural institutions must initiate timed ticketing, staggered entry and controlled traffic flow, strict facial covering enforcement and enhanced cleaning protocols.
Bowling alleys were also permitted to reopen today at 50 percent capacity.
Indoor dining in New York City is still not permitted. Cuomo provided no updates as to when indoor dining can reopen in the Big Apple.
