New York State’s gyms can open as soon as August 24, Governor Andrew Cuomo said Monday, after having given bowling alleys places like New York City museums and low-risk cultural attractions the go-ahead Friday.
Bowling alleys will be required to operate at 50 percent capacity with every other lane closed.
Masks will be required and shared or rented equipment must be sanitized between each use.
NYC museums will be required to stay at a 25 percent maximum occupancy with staggered entry, controlled traffic flow, timed ticketing, cleaning and disinfection protocol, and masks and social distancing.
Like gyms and bowling alleys, they will be able to open Monday.
Gyms are one of the areas “where you have to be especially careful,” Governor Cuomo said, and the list of requirements they’ll need to follow is long:
_ Capacity will be limited to 33 percent.
_Masks or face coverings must be worn at all times and six feet of social distancing must be maintained.
_ There will need to be some sort of screening procedure at the front door and everyone will have to sign in.
_ Cleaning and disinfection supplies must be made available to customers and staff must be available to clean shared equipment between use.
_ They’ll need MERV-13 or greater air handling systems or if unable to, they’ll need to have that professionally documented and then adopt additional ventilation and air conditioning mitigation protocols.
_ Whether classes can be held will be up to the local Health Department.
If they can, they will be by appointment or reservation, must practice social-distancing and will capped at 33 percent of the typical size.
_ All gyms will have to be inspected before or by September 2 by the local Health Department.
Gyms had originally been included in Phase 4 of reopening plans, but were removed from it because of outbreaks in other states.
Assemblyman Chris Tague applauded Monday’s long-awaited move.
“While this should have happened earlier, I am happy that gyms will be allowed to reopen after being left closed and without revenue for months,” Assemblyman Tague said.
“Many gyms in rural upstate communities are locally-owned small businesses and are important in both providing jobs and promoting good health.”