Gyms, Fitness Centers

May Open By Sept. 2,

Governor Announces

ALBANY – Gyms and fitness centers can reopen 33 percent in New York State starting Aug. 24 and continuing through Sept. 2, Governor Cuomo announced today.

Cooperstown’s Clark Sports Center announced three months ago it was aiming to reopen by Sept. 2.

Facilities that reopen will be subject to rigorous health and safety standards, the governor said.

“As New York maintains daily positive test rates below 1 percent, the State has determined that local elected officials can allow gyms and fitness centers to reopen at 33 percent capacity while following rigorous safety protocols, including wearing masks at all times,” Cuomo said.

Local elected officials may choose to delay the reopening of gyms and fitness centers until Sept. 2 to, in part, provide time for required local health department inspections, and may also choose to delay the reopening of indoor fitness classes until a date beyond Sept. 2.

The Governor’s Office provide this guidance for gyms and fitness centers planning to open:

• Capacity: 33% occupancy limit.
• Access: Sign-in with contact information and health screening required.
• PPE: Appropriate face coverings required at all times.
• Distancing: 6 feet of separation at all times.
• Hygiene/Cleaning: Cleaning and disinfection supplies made available to customers; shared equipment cleaned after every use; staff must also be available to clean and disinfect equipment in between uses; rental equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between customer use.
• Classes: By appointment/reservation only; maximum class capacity capped at number of people that can adhere to the 6-feet social distancing rules, but in no case more than 33% of the typical class size (i.e., leave stations, cycles, etc. vacant); classes should be scheduled to allow additional time for cleaning and disinfection in between each session.
• Amenities: Water bottle refill stations permitted, but not shared water fountains; communal showers are closed, but individual showers/stalls can remain open so long as they are cleaned in between use.
• Air Handling Systems: Gyms should operate at MERV-13 or greater; if they are unable to operate at that level, they must have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional document their inability to do so and adopt additional ventilation and mitigation protocols from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Inspection: Local health departments shall inspect before or within two weeks of the gym/fitness center opening to ensure compliance.