Many South Florida fitness centers still open despite coronavirus. But for how long?
Putting your New Year’s Resolution on hold might be a good idea.
A number of jurisdictions, including Los Angeles, Michigan and Ohio, have called on fitness centers to shut down for the time being because of the coronavirus. South Florida cities had not done that, at least by late afternoon Monday.
Many gyms remain open for business, although they are taking precautions — disinfecting, suspending programs etc.
“We remained open so that people who want to stay active and want to exercise can do that,” said Tongelia Milton, executive director of communications for YMCA South Florida.
Other gyms echoed that sentiment, providing detailed descriptions of their disinfecting process.
“Team members conduct regular and thorough cleaning of all equipment, surfaces, and areas of the club and gym floor using disinfectant cleaning supplies,” McCall Gosselin, Planet Fitness senior vice president of communications, said in a statement.
But as city officials move to limit large gatherings at South Florida parks, beaches and other social settings, are gyms at risk of temporarily closing? Dr. Mary Jo Trepka says yes.
“You’re in close contact with a lot of people and there’s a lot of opportunities for the virus to be spread on surfaces,” Trepka, an epidemiology professor at Florida International University, said of gyms.
Although Trepka acknowledged gyms’ rigorous cleaning efforts, she recommended they be avoided altogether, especially by the elderly or those with health problems.
“People should be getting their exercise outside,” she continued. “... It’s just safer to be out walking in fresh air and not in close proximity with other people.”
Trepka’s message came on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated mandate that advised any “in-person events that consist of 50 people” over the next eight weeks should be canceled or postponed. Abiding by this directive, not just going to the gym when there’s less traffic, would be the best form of defense.
“The better way to protect yourself is to avoid other people at this point,” Trepka said.
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 5:57 PM.
