In mid-August, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that gyms could reopen around the state with new safety guidelines in place—but New York City postponed a reopening date until gyms could be inspected, which Mayor Bill de Blasio said could not happen until after schools and childcare centers inspections were completed. But now a compromise has been reached that enables gyms in the city to reopen today, with reduced capacity.
To satisfy the state's September 2nd deadline for all gyms to reopen, the Health Department conducted “virtual inspections” to check on safety protocols and get the ball rolling. Officials will still need to do in-person inspections within two weeks of any gyms reopening to make sure they're fulfilling all the safety requirements as well.
According to the new guidelines, gyms can reopen at 33% capacity as long as their HVAC systems meet "the highest rated filtration compatible with the currently installed filter rack and air handling systems." Masks or face coverings must be worn inside at all times. People must maintain six feet from each other while inside. Equipment must be disinfected after each use, cleaning supplies must be on hand, communal showers and water fountains aren't allowed, and visitors have to sign in at every location for possible contact tracing use.
De Blasio explained at his press conference on Monday that the timing of the state's decision on gyms "happened to correlate exactly to the moment where we were getting ready to open school and open child care. And we needed to focus the Department of Health inspectors first and foremost on those locations. There's a lot of locations."
In a statement, Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi added, “We will always encourage New Yorkers to exercise and stay active. But indoor exercise is not without risk. We’re being as innovative as possible with virtual inspections to ensure that fitness center staff are following the safety guidelines."
The city has opted out of allowing indoor fitness classes and indoor pools entirely for the time being.
Major gym chains, including Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Equinox and Blink, all said they would be open in the city starting today. But some gym owners say that the lack of indoor classes will still hurt their business unfairly. “Their argument is indoor classes are not allowed,” Anthony Esposito, founder and co-owner of Bad Ass Academy in Bay Ridge, told PIX11. “But tell me why a treadmill six feet away from each other and two people running side-by-side six feet away is OK?”
Gyms have been closed in the city since March 16th, and statewide since March 22nd. Last month a group of over 1,500 gym owners from across the state, including at least 500 located in NYC, filed a class action lawsuit against Cuomo and the state to allow them to reopen, and get compensation for lost revenue over recent months.
As of Monday, New Jersey gyms were allowed to reopen at 25% capacity with similar safety precautions, including mandatory masks and social distancing between equipment.
