Miami-Dade Gyms Are Open. Here's What to Expect

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Last week, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez signed Amendment 2 to Emergency Order 23-20, allowing gyms, fitness centers, and other activities to resume on June 8.

Now that we are here, what should you expect when you return to the gym? Let's take a look as some of the guidelines and restrictions that are in place for gyms and fitness centers operating in Miami-Dade county.

https://twitter.com/MayorGimenez/status/1269307794685116427?s=20

Note - these are just some, not all of the guidelines and restrictions in place. See the full list here (Page 88).

Building Occupancy and Access Requirements

Monitor building occupancy and restrict customer access to no more than 50 percent of the building's indoor maximum occupancy.
In no event may the combined indoor and outdoor operation exceed 100 percent of a building’s legally permitted occupancy.
All individuals are required to wear facial coverings when entering and exiting facilities and within facilities except when conducting certain activities where it is not possible to wear facial coverings.
Provide an exit from the facility separate from the entrance, when possible.

Facility Requirements

Upgrade HVAC ventilation filters per OSHA and ASHRAE guidance, use MERV 13 or higher or HEPA filters, optimize ventilation system settings to maximize introduction of fresh outdoor air through the system while maintaining proper thermal comfort and maintaining humidity level between 40% to 60% for HVAC systems.
Increase the circulation of outdoor air as much as possible. Open windows and doors where feasible to improve natural ventilation in the facility.
Markers must be placed to indicate the appropriate distance between individuals who are exercising.
Social distancing markers of 6 feet must be placed in front of the reception/membership desk and all other appropriate areas.
Make readily available dispensers of a disinfectant included on the EPA List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (https://www.epa.gov/pesticideregistration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2) and provide patrons with sufficient cleaning and disinfecting materials, including disposable wipes, at all entrances, exits and at various locations throughout the facility and by workout stations.
Facility and personal hygiene signage, such as signs on how to stop the spread of COVID-19, including signs on properly washing hands, everyday protective measures, facial coverings, social distancing, and requirements for patrons to clean and disinfect equipment after use, must be conspicuously posted at all entrances, exits and at various locations throughout the facility, including bathroom facilities.
Common-use amenities, including, but not limited to, saunas, steam rooms and locker rooms, showers (except pool showers), must remain closed at this time.
Other common-use amenities, including, but not limited to, body lotions, deodorant, razors, shaving cream and mouth wash, must not be provided. However, facilities may provide patrons with single-use water bottles and other single-use amenities.
Discontinue providing towels, heart monitors, personal fitness mats, blocks, bolsters, or similar equipment to customers.
Patrons must bring their own personal-use items, including, but not limited to, towels, heart monitors, fitness mats, blocks, or similar equipment that may be required for exercise
Shower facilities must be closed, except for showers at facilities with pools, but only for use prior to entering the pool.
Doors to multi-stall restrooms should be able to be opened and closed without touching handles, if at all possible.
Place trash can by the door if the door cannot be opened without touching the handle.
If toilet lid is present, close lid before flushing; place signs indicating that toilet lids (if present) should be closed before flushing.
Provide paper towels in restrooms and disconnect air dryers or tape them off.
For single restrooms, provide signage and materials (paper towels and trash cans) for individuals to use without touching the handles, and consider providing a key so disinfection measures can be better controlled.
Place signs asking members and employees to wash hands before and after using the restroom.