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JAMESTOWN – Their eyes were on Governor Andrew Cuomo for months, but now, owners of gyms and fitness centers will likely be turning their attention to county officials who will ultimately decide when those facilities can re-open in Upstate New York.
State guidelines, announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday, are capping capacity of gyms at 33 percent, additionally everyone will have to wear a mask at all times, and must sign in.
The state is recommending guests be screened for COVID-19 and is requiring an HVAC standard, with facilities operating at “MERV-13” or greater.
Local governments can allow gyms and fitness centers to reopen as soon as next Monday, the governor says they must give the green light no later than September 2.
WNYNewsNow asked Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel this morning what his reopening plan looks like.
He says most local gyms will be able to reopen responsibly on Monday.
“Typically, counties have not had this control of inspecting fitness gyms and having the final say, so we want to make sure we have the clearance on that,
that it’s the county leadership,” said Wendel. “I feel very confident that our gym owners are going to know their classes, they’re going to know what they can do, they’re going to want to do things the right way.”
Wendel has advocated for gyms to reopen since Western New York entered phase four of the reopening process.
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