Gyms would be allowed to reopen for groups of 10 at a time if the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment adopts rules it has posted in draft form for public comment.
The public has until Wednesday at noon to comment. The new guidance will be announced on Thursday.
The proposed rules under consideration include:
- Personal training groups of four or less would continue to be allowed.
- Indoor “recreators” in groups of 10 at a time would be permitted, provided they maintain 6-foot distancing. (Note: Several counties, including Douglas and Larimer, already have state variances governing gym operations.)
- Reservation systems would be recommended when feasible “to space out and limit recreators.”
- Use of shared equipment would be discouraged and all equipment would need to be disinfected between each use.
- Restrooms and showers would remain open but access to lockers would be closed “to reduce congregation in enclosed spaces.”
- Ventilation should be maximized using fans and open windows, where possible.
- Hand sanitizers would have to be provided.
- Staff and patrons would be asked to wear face coverings “when they can do so safely.”
- Employees would be subject to symptom and temperature checks. Symptomatic employees would be referred to the CDPHE symptom tracker.
CDPHE also is soliciting public input on proposed rules for outdoor recreation. As with the gym guidelines, deadline for public comment is at noon Wednesday.
Many gyms have already been taking steps to improve safety, including the use of potent disinfectants and a 30 minutes between classes to clean.