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10 Suggestions for Reopening Gyms in NY State

It’s been over 90 days since gyms were closed in NY State to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and this past week Governor Andrew Cuomo addressed the issue with the following update:

"We are still looking at the science and the data. There has been information that those situations have created issues in other states. If we have that information we don't want to then go ahead till we know what we're doing. Right? This is a road that no one has traveled on before. And logic suggests that if you see a problem in other states then you explore it before you move forward in your state."

Cuomo also suggested the exercisers in gyms would likely not wear masks which could spread more of the virus.

While we all can applaud anchoring policy to science and data, it’s questionable if this has been done here. Despite literally months to research and formulate a plan, NYS has not offered any definitive science backed information tied to re-opening gyms. More troubling, NY has apparently not factored in recent European studies that suggest gym reopenings may not facilitate coronavirus infections.

Understanding the public health concerns with gyms, below are 10 recommendations for NYS to factor into their eventual reopening plans for gyms:
  1. Consider temperature checks for members at entrances
  2. Mandate monthly / bimonthly member testing
  3. Open exterior doors, if applicable
  4. Limit gym occupancy to reduced capacity per day / hour
  5. Close locker rooms
  6. No water fountains
  7. For gyms with cardio machines, limit usage to every other cardio machine 
  8. Hourly equipment wipe down clean
  9. Deeper equipment clean every 4 hours
  10. Regular staff and trainer testing

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