Cuomo: New York gyms can reopen at 33 percent capacity

by Jessie Hellmann - 08/17/20 1:08 PM ET

Gyms in New York can reopen at 33 percent capacity next week so long as masks are worn at all times by customers and staff, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced Monday.

Gyms have remained closed since the early days of the outbreak in New York.

Now that the virus is under control in the state, gyms can reopen at reduced capacity as early as Aug. 24 but must follow new health and safety requirements, including social distancing, temperature checks, sign-in forms and ensuring proper ventilation.

“The gyms are going to say these are difficult guidelines, and they are. Gyms are one of the areas where you have to be very careful, and we know that,” Cuomo said during a press conference.

Facilities must be inspected by localities before reopening, or within two weeks of opening. Local governments will determine whether gyms can hold indoor classes.

Gyms have become a source of COVID-19 transmission in other states.

“If it’s not done right, it can be a problem. It is an area of concern. That’s why we went slow on it and that’s why we focused on it,” Cuomo said.

The New York governor is slated to speak Monday evening at the Democratic National Convention to discuss the coronavirus pandemic.