FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2020
Contact: John Lyon, Director of Strategic Communications (845) 638-5645
                 Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, D.O., M.P.H., CPE, DABFM, FAAFP (845) 364-2512

Gyms and Fitness Centers Allowed to Open

FACILITIES TO BE INSPECTED BY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR COVID-19 GUIDANCE COMPLIANCE

New City, NY, - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert confirm that gyms and fitness centers are allowed to re-open at 33% capacity starting on Monday, August 24th. The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) has been tasked by the state to inspect gyms and fitness centers, inclusive of but not limited to yoga/Pilates/barre studios, workplace fitness centers, hotel fitness rooms, higher education fitness centers, and group fitness classes/studios, for compliance with the state's COVID-19 guidance.

In order for these facilities to open and avoid closure, they must demonstrate compliance with all components of the state's Reopening New York Gyms & Fitness Center Guidelines including:

• Physical distancing.
• On-site activity.
• Air handling systems.
• Protective equipment.
• Hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection.
• Communication.
• Health screening.

The complete guidelines and requirements can be found at: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries.

Gyms and fitness facilities must contact the Rockland County Department of Health to schedule an inspection. Managers/owners are encouraged to contact the health department as soon as possible to schedule a day and time for the inspection at 845-238-1956 or email COVIDCallCenter@co.rockland.ny.us.

Deficiencies identified during inspections may lead to the delayed reopening and/or closure of facilities. The following documentation must be available at the time of inspection:

• Business safety plan that demonstrates compliance with the guidelines.
• Proper certifications for the air handling system.
• Proper signage.
• Logs for cleaning and disinfection.
• Daily log of staff and visitors.
• Any policy or procedure not included in the safety plan template needed to demonstrate compliance with state guidelines.

"Exercise is good for your physical and mental well-being. RCDOH will work to ensure gyms and fitness centers are following state guidelines with their reopening plans to help mitigate the risk of the spread of COVID-19 at their facilities," said Dr. Ruppert.

"We know that many local gyms have been waiting for this chance to reopen and allow their members to work out while protecting their health and safety," said County Executive Day. "Thank you to our Department of Health for working with these facilities to make sure these reopening's are done safely and in compliance with the state guidelines."

For more information or questions about COVID-19, call the Rockland County COVID-19 Hotline at 845-238-1956, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or email COVIDCallCenter@co.rockland.ny.us. For local COVID-19 information and resources, visit the county's coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage at http://rcklnd.us/covid19 or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rockhealth or Twitter at www.twitter.com/rockhealth.