Gyms Can Reopen Starting Aug. 24, But Doubts Cast In NYC

NEW YORK CITY — New York City fitness buffs pumped to return to their favorite gym may need to cool off.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced gyms statewide can reopen starting Aug. 24. But don't plan to stop home workouts just yet — gyms must meet several guidelines and inspections to help slow the coronavirus' spread.

"The gyms can open as soon as Aug. 24, but the locality must open them by Sept.2," he said. "The localities have a role here, they have to inspect the gyms before they open or within two weeks of their opening to make sure they meet the requirements."

Gyms can open as soon as August 24 at 33% capacity with mandatory mask wearing and other strict health measures.

HVAC systems must meet guidelines.

Localities must inspect every gym before it opens or within 2 weeks of opening.

Localities must enforce regulations.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 17, 2020

Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has been skeptical of reopening indoor spaces, had yet to comment on Cuomo's go-ahead as of Monday morning.

By Monday afternoon, officials were casting doubt that New York City could partially or fully reopen gyms. Outlets like Gothamist and NBC4 a quoted mayor's office spokesperson who said city inspectors are too busy looking at schools and child care centers.

Indoor fitness classes will have to wait and inspectors will look into other gym arrangements, the spokesperson said.

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson also announced indoor gym classes were a no-go.

"NYC will NOT allow indoor gym classes yet, despite the state’s approval," he tweeted.

#CoronavirusUpdate: NYC will NOT allow indoor gym classes yet, despite the state’s approval. https://t.co/wCL8a1oI3x
— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) August 17, 2020

Gyms can only reopen at 33 percent capacity, require mask wearing at all times and have heating and air conditioning systems that meet strict standards, Cuomo said.

They must also have a sign-in sheet — a step Cuomo said will aid in tracking the coronavirus.

"The contact tracing is done for you already," he said.

Local health departments must also perform inspections on reopening gyms. And decisions on whether gyms can hold in-person classes will be made by local governments, Cuomo said.