Planning To Reopen - Phase 3, Fitness Centers and Health Clubs

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Phase 3 of Governor Charlie Baker's administration's plan to reopen the state of Massachusetts for business is in effect. Strict rules are in place for the third phase of a four-phase economic reopening in Massachusetts. The following outlines the workplace safety standards pertaining to social distancing and hygiene protocols for Fitness Centers and Health Clubs.

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

These standards are minimum requirements only and are not exclusive or exhaustive. The public health data for disease prevention upon which these guidelines are based can and does change frequently, it is the responsibility of each Fitness Centers and Health Club to stay abreast of any updates to these requirements.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, Mass EEA and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

Fitness Centers and Health Clubs

Fitness Centers and Health Clubs are defined by the state as any fitness facility that provides access to and/or instruction of personal fitness training, including but not limited to fitness activities such as:

1. Weight and resistance training
2. Cross training
3. Yoga
4. Martial arts
5. Spin classes
6. Boot camp training

Additionally, both indoor and outdoor athletic facilities (whether a standalone facility or part of a Fitness Center or Health Club) used for gymnastics, tennis, and swimming must follow the EEA's Youth and Adult Sports guidance and the Pool guidance.

Standards for Responsible Fitness Centers and Health Clubs

No activity in Fitness Centers and Health Clubs shall occur without meeting these sector specific COVID19 workplace safety standards. These standards apply to all Fitness Centers and Health Clubs until rescinded or amended by the State. The owner of the Fitness Center or Health Club shall be responsible for meeting these standards. While these standards permit the operation of both indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, Fitness Centers and Health Clubs are strongly encouraged to offer outdoor classes / activities to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Social Distancing

1. Each facility must monitor visitor entries and exits, ensure social distancing, and limit occupancy at all times to:
   1. 40% of the facility’s maximum permitted occupancy as documented in its occupancy permit on record with the municipal building department or other municipal record holder
   2. Facilities for which no permitted occupancy limitation is on record may allow 8 persons per 1,000 square feet of accessible indoor or outdoor space
   3. In any case, no enclosed space within the facility may exceed occupancy of 8 persons per 1,000 square feet
   4. All occupancy counts and calculations shall include visitors, staff, and other workers
2. All equipment (weights, machines, treadmills, bikes, etc.) mus be arranged so exercise areas are spaced out at least 14 feet apart. Spacing of machines may be adjusted to at least 6 feet apart if barriers are installed
3. If possible install plastic barriers between equipment.
   1. Barriers must extend high enough to effectively block respiration from someone using the equipment
   2. Barriers must be cleaned regularly
4. If spacing of equipment is not possible, equipment should be blocked off (e.g., every other machine) to maintain 14 feet distancing
5. Install visual markers (boundaries, walkways, signage, etc.) to encourage customers to remain at least 6 feet apart while moving throughout the space
6. Establish directional pathways to manage visitor flow for foot traffic, to minimize contact (e.g., one-way entrance and exit to rooms, one-way pathways). Post clearly visible signage regarding these policies
7. If possible establishing “workout zones” to encourage spacing of customers using free weights, dumbbells, etc.
8. Stagger lunch and break times for workers, regulate the maximum number of people in one place and ensure at least 6 feet of physical distancing between workers
9. Close or reconfigure common spaces and high-density areas of facilities where workers are likely to congregate (e.g., break rooms and eating areas) to allow 6 feet of physical distancing
10. Close or reconfigure other common spaces where customers are likely to congregate or where social distancing is not possible, such as lobbies and waiting areas
11. Require face coverings for all workers and visitors, except where unsafe due to medical condition or disability
12. If customers cannot wear a face covering during strenuous fitness activities, physical distancing must be at least 14 feet.
13. If customers are wearing face coverings during fitness activities, physical distancing must be at least 6 feet
14. Install physical partitions in areas where physical distancing is not possible, such as service counters
15. Contactless payment and sign-in methods are encouraged
16. In group fitness classes, 14 feet of physical distancing must be maintained between attendees at all times. If physical barriers are installed between group fitness equipment, 6 feet of physical distancing should be maintained

Hygiene Protocols

1. Ensure access to handwashing facilities on site, including soap and running water, and allow enough break time for workers to wash hands frequently; alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol may be used as an alternative
2. Distribute hand sanitizer and disposable wipes abundantly throughout the space for workers and customers to disinfect their hands and equipment before and after use
3. Disposable wipes should be placed next to each piece of large equipment (such as treadmills, bikes, rowing machines) and next to each area containing smaller equipment (such as free weights)
4. Require trainers to wash hands before and after each training session and sanitize frequently during each session
5. All equipment must be sanitized between uses. No equipment should be used by another customer or returned to the storage rack / container without being sanitized
6. Encourage customers to use one piece of equipment at a time (e.g., limit circuit training or “super sets” with multiple pieces of equipment) in order to facilitate required sanitizing.
7. Facilities must provide sanitization supplies at each piece of equipment in order for customers to clean in between each use
8. If sanitation (or the monitoring thereof by employees) of any piece of equipment is not possible or practical, this equipment should be closed off
9. Encourage customers to use their own personal exercise equipment (such as spin shoes, jump ropes, yoga mats, etc.) when possible.
10. If shared items are used, they must be sanitized in between each use
11. Post visible signage throughout the site to remind workers and customers of hygiene and safety protocols
12. Allow water fountains to be used as refill stations only, provided that social distancing can be maintained.
13. Customers and workers should bring their own water bottles or purchase beverages from the business

While the administration continues to work with communities to implement best practices and protocols we will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, FDA, OSHA, Mass EEA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!