Today, September 1, gyms and fitness centers may reopen under new guidelines including social distancing, masks and other safety protocols.

These facilities must institute the following policies in order to be in compliance:

Limit occupancy of any indoor premises to 25 percent of the stated maximum capacity, if applicable, at one time, excluding staff.

In addition to capacity restrictions, indoor group activities (e.g., classes) can occur but must limit to no more 1 individual per 200 square feet of accessible space or less, AND all individuals must be able to maintain a minimum of 6 feet of distance from other individuals during the entire class.

Conduct a temperature screening and questionnaire of staff and clients upon entrance to the facility.

If individuals attending outdoor classes enter the center premises, whether to use a restroom or otherwise, they must be included in the capacity limit indicated above.

Require workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings while in the indoor portion of the premises, except where doing so would inhibit that individual's health or where the individual is under two years of age.

If a customer refuses to wear a cloth face covering for non-medical reasons and if such covering cannot be provided to the individual by the business at the point of entry, then the business must decline the individual entry into the indoor premises.

One-on-one personal training can occur assuming 6 feet of distance can be maintained for the majority of the training session.

Individual or pair activities which do not involve contact (e.g., racket ball, handball) can also occur.

Keep doors and windows open where possible and utilize fans to improve ventilation.

Inspect and evaluate the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit to ensure that the system is operating within its design specifications

Limit locker room use to hand washing and restroom use

In gyms with pools, limit shower use to individually partitioned showers or communal showers with installed barriers/partitions; in other gyms, showers are not permitted

Shared saunas and steam rooms are not permitted.

Click here for the Department of Health guidance for health clubs/gyms/fitness centers.

Also today, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 183, allowing for indoor dining, theaters and indoor performance venues to reopen to the public on Friday, September 4. Indoor dining can resume at 25% capacity and limits for certain indoor gatherings were raised to 25% capacity with 150 people max.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 183, please click here.

For a copy of the Department of Health Executive Directive, please click here.

For a copy of the Department of Health’s Health and Safety Standards for Indoor Dining in Restaurants, please click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Hilary Chebra, Manager of Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com.