New York gyms can finally reopen their coronavirus-induced shutdowns as soon as Aug. 24 with strict requirements, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.
Gyms and fitness centers in the Empire State are allowed to start new week with 33 percent capacity and masks must be worn by those inside, Cuomo told reporters during a press release in Manhattan.
“There are health requirements that are in the guidelines for the ventilation requirements,” Cuomo said.
The governor said “locals” have a role to play in renovating gyms, and local health departments should inspect the establishments before or within two weeks of the renovation.
Locals should open gyms by Sept. 2, Cuomo said, adding that “locals can determine if the gyms can have these classes or not.”
Local elected officials will make the decisions, Cuomo said.
Gyms and fitness centers have been a hard hit industry that is one of the last to get the green light to reopen under the state’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Gyms have been waiting nearly five months to reopen customers – originally hoping to be included in at least Phase 4 of New York’s new opening plan – and last week more than 1,500 companies filed a lawsuit against the mayor, who ordered the state to lift its closure order, according to the State Island Advance.
The Cuomo administration has acknowledged that the delay is due to fear of spreading the coronavirus while a person is exercising themselves and the inevitability of particle spread.
But small business owners have argued that they can no longer be closed, and they can safely conduct training classes and process spaces to ensure social distance and proper cleaning protocols are in place.
Meanwhile, New York on Monday marked its 10th straight day of a COVID-19 positivity below 1 percent.
Cuomo announced earlier on Friday that bowling alleys could reopen on Monday – today – at 50 percent capacity.
Museums and other indoor cultural institutions in New York City can back up for patrons at 25 percent capacity from Aug. 24.
However, the fate of dining indoors in the five districts remains in limbo and for now, restaurant and bar owners continue to serve patrons in outdoor spaces.
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