Gyms, museums, aquariums, and bowling alleys are all set to reopen in New York today. This comes five months after Governor Andrew Cuomo closed these spaces back in mid-March.
What We Know:
- In response to keeping its rate of positive coronavirus test results around 1 percent, New York gyms were finally sanctioned to reopen as soon as Aug. 24th but no later than Sept. 2nd.
- The reopening plan is only possible through the use of cautionary measures including: capacity limits of 33 percent total capacity, mandatory mask requirements, an air filter requirement by businesses to help prevent airborne transmission of viral particles, and sign-in forms for contact tracing.
- Many health officials have warned against intense indoor exercise; therefore, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has decided not to initially allow indoor fitness classes or indoor pools to operate when gyms reopen.
Gyms can open as soon as August 24 at 33% capacity with mandatory mask wearing and other strict health measures.
HVAC systems must meet guidelines.
Localities must inspect every gym before it opens or within 2 weeks of opening.
Localities must enforce regulations.
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 17, 2020
- Local governments will also have to follow state requirements when reopening. This is worrisome to several public officials that are concerned some cities and towns will ignore social distancing measures. According to Gov. Cuomo, “The localities have a role here they have to inspect the gyms before they open or within two weeks of their opening to make sure they are meeting all the requirements.”
- Many New York citizens and public officials alike are uneasy about the reopening plan as experts warn a second wave is inevitable.
Other states continue to look to New York’s reopening plans, as many NYC schools are delaying in-person classes.
