New York Gyms Allowed To Reopen At Reduced Capacity

NEW YORK, NY — New Yorkers hoping to get rid of the "quarantine 15" will soon be able to hit the gym after a monthslong hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday said gyms can reopen as early as Aug. 24, though that could be delayed to Sept. 2 if local officials can't perform inspections.

Gyms will have to remain at no more than 33 percent capacity, Cuomo said. Masks and health screenings will be required, and special air conditioning filters capable of filtering out the coronavirus will have to be installed.

Local health departments must inspect gyms before they open, or at least within two weeks of opening. Local officials will determine whether gyms will be allowed to hold indoor classes.

The governor also addressed schools at his coronavirus briefing Monday, saying the state will close schools if a district has COVID-19 spread.

Cuomo said he feels uneasy about whether gyms will comply with coronavirus regulations, given a lack of compliance at many bars and restaurants.

Over the weekend, the State Liquor Authority and state police performed coronavirus compliance checks at over 3,300 establishments, Cuomo said. The agencies doled out 66 violations.

Cuomo's gyms announcement came as the state saw its coronavirus infection rate fall to 0.71 percent Sunday, its lowest rate since the pandemic began. Six people died of COVID-19, 534 people were hospitalized with the disease and 133 were receiving intensive care treatment.

Cuomo also said he plans to send a letter Monday to all New York police departments threatening to revoke their state funding if they fail to submit a plan by April reimagining their departments. He said "very little has been done" so far to change the status quo amid nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd. Floyd died when a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes.