ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — On Monday morning, Governor Andrew Cuomo released reopening protocol for gyms and fitness centers in New York State.
Gyms can reopen as soon as August 24, but must follow state guidelines, which are listed in part as follows:
- 33% capacity
- Masks worn at all times
- Ventilation (HVAC) requirements
- Localities must inspect gyms and determine whether they can have indoor classes.
Health departments must inspect gyms before reopening or within two weeks to make sure they are meeting state guidelines. Local governments will also be expected to enforce the guidelines.
Gyms can open as soon as August 24 at 33% capacity with mandatory mask wearing and other strict health measures.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 17, 2020
HVAC systems must meet guidelines.
Localities must inspect every gym before it opens or within 2 weeks of opening.
Localities must enforce regulations.
Governor Cuomo's announcement is a reversal of his comments earlier this month when he indicated gyms were still unsafe and would remain closed indefinitely.
Gyms and fitness centers in New York have been closed to visitors since March. They were delivered another blow in June, when it was announced they would not be included in the fourth and final phase of reopening in New York. However, some have offered virtual classes and workouts online. Some gym owners offered workouts outdoors.
"I just want to reach out to my members, I'm so excited to get my staff back," said Amy Bueme, owner of Catalyst Fitness.
Bueme says all of her seven WNY health clubs are ready to go. She says members will get an e-mail with more reopening information.
"If you come into Catalyst we are going to open safely and we are going to stick to the rules," she said.
During the closures, some gyms have put payments on hold or extended membership terms. Gym members can check with their gym to determine when payments will restart.
