Hamilton’s gyms have new COVID-19 guidelines

Hamilton | Ontario | COVID | Latest News | Lifestyle |

By

Published October 20, 2020 at 2:52 pm

On Monday (Oct. 19), Hamilton’s chief medical officer of health announced new enhanced COVID-19 guidelines for gyms and recreational activities.

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, of Hamilton’s Public Health Services (PHS), said that they have been in talks with the province about introducing additional recommendations for fitness facilities after the outbreak at SpinCo Hamilton that infected more than 70 people in the community.

At Monday’s Board of Health meeting, though, Dr. Richardson said that as the investigation continues into the outbreak, PHS has developed a series of enhanced recommendations that complement those currently laid out by the Province.

So what can one expect when visiting a fitness facility in Hamilton now?

As of Monday, Hamilton Public Health Services is requiring that all recreation fitness facilities in Hamilton put in place the following additional measures:

  • Ensure that physical distancing of at least 3 metres is maintained between every person involved in any exercise/ physical exertion activity.
  • Ensure that a physical distance of at least 2 metres (6 feet) between employees, gym patrons and visitors is maintained at all times, or that a non-permeable physical barrier is in place when not involved in exercise.
  • Set a capacity limit of up to 10 persons (including staff) per indoor group fitness class/training session, with a final capacity limit being determined by the ability of persons to practice three-metre physical distancing between every person.
  • Ensure all persons (including staff, patrons and visitors) wear a face covering while in the facility (including when actively engaged in physical activity).

Owners and operators are also urged to ensure that the building heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) system is well maintained in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions and meets minimum American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditions Engineers (ASHRAE) standards.

Also, owners are asked to ensure no shouting or singing occurs in classes and to facilitate communication, fitness instructors should consider using microphones.

More information on the City of Hamilton’s guidelines for public spaces, can be found here.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising