PORTLAND, Ore. — As the majority of Oregon counties enter Phase 1 of Gov. Kate Brown’s reopening plan, restaurants, bars, salons and retail stores will be allowed to slowly open their doors to customers with safety measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Gyms and fitness centers are also among the businesses approved to open under Phase 1 of the governor’s plan.
In a detailed letter released Thursday, the Oregon Health Authority listed the guidelines gyms must follow to keep their customers safe.
Gyms are urged to “strongly encourage” members to wear cloth, paper or disposable masks and bring their own filled water bottles to use while working out, the OHA said. Water fountains will be closed, except for contact-free stations to refill water bottles.
Fitness centers are also required to set up handwashing stations and have hand sanitizer on hand for members and staff.
They must also limit the number of people using their facilities so people can maintain at least six feet separation between each other. If workout equipment can’t be moved to allow for physical distancing, gym customers won’t be allowed to use it.
Contact sports, or activities where people use the same equipment such as basketball, racquetball and martial arts are not allowed under the OHA guidelines.
Showering will also be prohibited. Swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs will remain closed.
Gyms also have stringent requirements for cleaning and disinfecting, including requiring members and staff to wipe down all equipment before and after each use with disinfectant.
Read the full guidelines below.
