COVID-19: NJ Announces Reopening Of Gyms And Indoor Amusement Facilities – 9-1-20

As of today, August 26, 2020, Governor Murphy announced the reopening of gyms and indoor amusement facilities effective as of September 1, 2020. Reopening will include a 25% of capacity limitation and typical safety protocols including masks, social distancing, one way traffic, etc.

Per a press release from Planet Fitness as reported in NJ Patch, "Fitness centers are critical to the mental, physical and financial health for New Jerseyans, and we are grateful that Governor Murphy has announced that we can reopen with safety protocols in place," said Craig Benson, who operates 18 Planet Fitness locations in the state. "Throughout the reopening process, we will continue to collaborate with local, county and state health officials to ensure that our members can work out again in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment, and our staff can get back to work."

With respect to gyms:

• group fitness classes are to be limited to 1 person per 200 SF of space;
• logs are to be maintained for members and staff;
• 6′ of distance between pieces of equipment;
• required sanitization of equipment; and
• showers are NOT permitted to be open

Many gyms and eating establishments will look to include some or all of the following in their safety protocols:

• Limited capacity to comply with social distancing;
  
• Advanced air filtration systems with high-grade filters;
  
• Masks required at all times;
  
• Well-stocked cleaning stations with hand sanitizer;
  
• Posters explaining best-health practices displayed throughout the facility or gym;
  
• High-tech electrostatic disinfecting sprayers for the tables and gyms as well as equipment;
  
• One-way flow for foot traffic;
  
• Temperature checks for staff members at the start of each shift in addition to health questionnaire;
  
• Touchless check-in;
  
• Cleaning of tables and/or machines before and after each use; and
  
• Having an ample supply of PPE equipment for staff and members including masks and gloves.
  

Indoor dining and movie theatres are expected to be reopened on or before September 14th.

Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.