As a gym owner, you’re likely wondering how you can safely reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic without putting your staff and customers at risk. Thankfully, the state has put out an entire guideline packet on their expectations for fitness centers in the state, including information on how to become a certified safe business. Here’s what you need to know about gym reopening guidelines in Connecticut.

Gym Capacity Levels & Basic Operations

In Connecticut, the COVID-19 reopening plan features a maximum capacity limit of 50% for gyms and fitness centers. Centers are responsible for tracking and maintaining records on daily capacities and should have a system in place for documentation. There are also certain guidelines that every location needs to adhere by. These include:

• Employee Log: Maintaining a log of employee work times and days to aid in any future contact tracing
• Staggered Shifts: Utilizing a staggered work schedule to help minimize contact across employees.
• Assigned Work Zones: Employees should have specific work zones that keep them in minimal contact with other individuals, including customers and coworkers.

Physical Space and Service Guidelines

The State of Connecticut guide also includes multiple pages on physical space and service guidelines. While they are incredibly intricate, the most common ones that your gym or fitness center will likely need to pay attention to include:

• Front Desk Protection: Desks should be outfitted with plexiglass or another form of barrier.
• Removal of Non-Essential Functions: Services that are not essential to the core function of the business, like childcare centers and lounges, should be removed.
• Social Distancing Markers:  There should be visible social distancing markers placed throughout the facility to aid guests in maintaining a six-foot minimum distance from others.
• Timing Restrictions: Fitness centers are encouraged to limit time on certain activities, like treadmills and weight machines, to minimize potential contact.

Sanitization Requirements

Of course, cleaning and sanitation requirements are an absolute necessity during the reopening phase of the coronavirus pandemic. The most vital regulations your facility needs to adhere to are:

• Intraday Cleaning: Staff members should take steps to clean common areas and equipment multiple times per day, while customers should wipe off machines and weights after use using antibacterial cleanser.
• Water Fountains: Fountains may only be used to fill customer or employee water bottles and not for mouth-on contact during drinking.
• Hand Rails and Other Touchable Components: These must be disinfected on a regular intervals multiple times per day.

While these are just a few of the many guidelines that gym owners in Connecticut need to be aware of, the most important part is documentation. Make sure you’re following all guidelines and tracking when staff is cleaning or disinfecting by keeping a log book.

Finding a Partner to Help

At Enviro-Master services, we want to make it easy to keep your gym sparkling clean and sanitary during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we offer a wide range of services specifically tailored to the needs of Connecticut gyms and fitness facilities. Please contact us today to learn more.

At Enviro-Master Cleaning Services, we specialize in the following:

• Commercial Cleaning
• Bathroom and Restroom Cleaning Services
• Electrostatic Disinfection Service – Our EPA approved solution kills COVID-19
• Drain Treatment Services
• Paper Restocking
• Tile and Grout Deep Cleaning Service

Protect your business from viruses and keep your clients and employees safe. Contact us today for a free quote on our services.