NORFOLK, Va. - Under Phase Two of Gov. Northam's reopening plan, gyms in Hampton Roads can reopen on Friday.
Gyms are only permitted 30-percent of their capacity, according to guidelines sent out by the Governor.
Several other guidelines are in place, including that people be spaced out inside of gyms. In addition, the Governor expects gyms to check if people are experiencing any symptoms before entering.
“Because of our collective efforts, Virginia has made tremendous progress in fighting this virus and saved lives,” said Governor Northam. “Please continue to wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, and stay home if you are high-risk or experience COVID-19 symptoms. Virginians have all sacrificed to help contain the spread of this disease, and we must remain vigilant as we take steps to slowly lift restrictions in our Commonwealth.”
Other parts of Phase Two include:
· Gatherings of up to 50 people while practicing social distancing
· Restaurants can have indoor seating at 50% capacity
· Swimming pools may expand operations to both indoor and outdoor exercise, diving, and swim instruction
· Museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and outdoor concert, sporting and performing arts venues reopen with some restrictions
· Rec centers allowed to open with physical distancing and no shared equipment.
Anytime Fitness in Ghent will be among the local gyms reopening Friday. "A lot of members especially with everything that's going on nowadays and being stuck inside for the last two months, they're looking to get back in, start taking care of their health, get some stress relief," said Evan Stumpf, the gym's owner.
The gym says the capacity limit shouldn't be an issue for them as their gym's members are more staggered because they're open 24/7. They'll be working to keep people spread out. Hand sanitizer and wipes are spread throughout the gym. "We're just trying to make sure it's as easy as possible for them to come in get their workout in and stay safe," said Stumpf.
The gym will also do temperature checks when members arrive. Masks are encouraged, but not required. "We're just excited to be reopened and start getting our community healthy again," said Stumpf.
