Gov. Whitmer Reopens Gyms and Pools, Allows Organized Sports with Guidelines
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new order reopening Michigan’s gyms and pools in the regions where they were still closed, plus allowing for organized sports practices and competitions to resume, “subject to strict protections meant to limit spread of the virus,” according to a release.
Gyms and pools may start to reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The governor also signed a new Executive Order 2020-175 describing strict workplace safety measures gyms and pools must follow to protect people from the spread of COVID-19.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have followed the best science and data available to make decisions that will keep Michiganders safe, and our hard work is paying off. Today we are announcing the reopening of gyms and pools with strict safety measures in place to protect patrons and their families,” Whitmer said in a statement. “I urge everyone who plans to hit the gym after these orders go into effect to take these precautions seriously and do everything in their power to protect themselves and their families. Be smart, and stay safe.”
Under Executive Order 2020-175, “gyms must require wearing of masks at all times, including times of exercise, configure workout stations or implement protocols to enable six feet of distance between individuals during exercise sessions, reduce class sizes to enable at least six feet of separation between individuals, provide equipment-cleaning products throughout the gym, and more.”
As for sports, spectators for indoor organized sports are limited to the guests of the athletes, with each athlete getting two guests. For outdoor sports competitions, the organizer of the competitions must either limit the audience to the guests of the participants with each athlete designating up to two guests, or limit total attendance to 100 people or fewer, including all participants like athletes, coaches, and staff.
When it comes to contact sports, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released guidance today, recommending contact sports at this time, defined to mean those sports involving more than occasional and fleeting contact, including football, basketball and soccer.
For the public guidance on public sports, go here.
For more information and full guidelines on both gyms and sports resuming, go here and here.
