COVID-19 Reopening: Gyms and Fitness Centers

**This is an official release from the Tompkins County Health Department. Tompkins Weekly did not write this article.**

(Ithaca, NY – August 19, 2020) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently released guidance allowing gyms and fitness centers to reopen. The guidance applies to fitness activities and facilities, including, but not limited to, standalone, hotel, residential, and office gyms and fitness centers, gyms and fitness centers in higher education institutions, yoga/Pilates/barre studios, boxing/kickboxing gyms, fitness boot camps, CrossFit or other plyometric box classes, and other group fitness classes. The guidance documents can be accessed at the NY Forward website under phase four industries.

Gyms and fitness centers can reopen in Tompkins County starting August 24th, 2020, if the following requirements are met:

• Read the guidance and prepare a safety plan using the NYS Safety Plan Template.
• The Safety Plan must include the required certification of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system by a professional as identified in the guidance. Please include details of your facility’s air handling system(s) or air handling plans in the “other” section of the reopening safety plan. If the facility does not have an HVAC system or one under their control, the facility will need to submit that information and a description of the ventilation procedures they are taking in accordance with the guidance.
• Submit your Safety Plan including HVAC certification to tceh@tompkins-co.org.
• Submit your affirmation to NYS through the link at the end of the gym guidance document.

Please refer to the detailed guidance for more information as well as these requirements that are specific to gyms and fitness facilities:

• Capacity: 33% occupancy limit.
• PPE: There are special requirements for face coverings at gyms and fitness centers.
• Classes: By appointment/reservation only; maximum class capacity limited by the 6-feet social distancing rules, but in no case more than 33% of the typical class size; cleaning and disinfection required between each session.
• Air Handling Systems: Gyms should operate with MERV-13 or greater filtration. If they are unable to operate at that level, they must have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional document their inability to do so and adopt additional ventilation and mitigation protocols. Documentation from a HVAC professional is required for all facilities with HVAC systems.

After the Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) has received your plan and HVAC certification, the TCHD will be will contacting you to schedule an inspection or request additional information.

Tompkins County Public Health Director Frank Kruppa is additionally giving approval that gyms can host indoor classes within the state guidelines.

“Our local gyms and fitness facilities are now part of the NYS Phase 4 reopening process and can reopen within the posted guidelines, including for indoor classes. The reopening of these spaces was delayed as COVID-19 has progressed, and we appreciate the patience and adherence to the guidance by gym operators,” stated Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director.

“Exercise is so important for everyone’s health and mental well-being during this challenging time. We ask that operators and the public be patient as Environmental Health conducts required inspections and as gyms put in place the necessary precautions to limit exposure and prevent the spread of the virus,” continued Kruppa.

Continue to monitor NY Forward for information.  Please contact TCHD (tceh@tompkins-co.org) with any additional questions.

For local updates and information, check the TCHD Moving Forward page and website.

For more information about how to quarantine, refer here: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/factsheets/coronavirusfaq#quarantine

Individuals presenting symptoms or with concerns about being exposed should seek testing:

Cayuga Health Sampling Site

Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30AM–4:00PM

Appointment required. To register call Cayuga Health Call Center at 607-319-5708, or cayugahealth.org.

To file a complaint about a business or social gathering click here.

Everyone can continue to take these steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community:

• Refrain from traveling to states listed in the New York Travel Advisory.
• Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when in public.
•  Wear a mask at all times in public spaces, especially when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. Masks and face coverings must be worn by everyone over age 2 at all times in public places when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. Fines are enforceable for individuals who are in violation of these regulations. Businesses must deny entry to anyone who is not wearing a face covering.
•  Nonessential gatherings are limited to 50 people for our region. Participants must comply with distancing and face-covering guidance.
•  Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
•  Avoid close and continued contact with other people not in your household.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

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