Unfurling the third phase of unlocking i.e. Unlock 3.0, the Indian government has allowed nationwide gymnasiums and yoga institutes to roll their fitness session from 5th August. According to the guideline issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), any gyms and yoga institutes located in the COVID-19 containment zones will not be permitted to open.
In addition, some set of people including people above the age of 65 years, people with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years have been barred to use gyms and yoga institutes in a confined space.
In an effort to avoid overcrowding of people while entering and exiting the fitness centres, the authorities have directed to segregate batches in separate batches. Each batch could maintain a gap of 15-30 minutes in between to reduce the rush and make use of the time, to disinfect floor and fitness equipment. According to the release, those having oxygen saturation level below 95% should not be allowed to exercise,”.
“Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet as far as feasible,” the guidelines stated. Wearing of masks and face covers is mandatory, however, those may cause breathing difficulties during exercising, therefore, the government has said people can use a visor as a preventive measure.
Frequent hand washing and using hand sanitizers have been emphasized by the MHA which has also advised a strict practice of “respiratory etiquettes”.
“Cover mouth and nose while sneezing/coughing with a tissue, cloth or flexed elbow and dispose off used tissue properly,” the guidelines stated.
The owners of the gyms and yoga institutes have been guided to maintain a distance of 4m2 each person while conducting different fitness regimes. In order to bring distance while doing cardio, the gym on floor authorities is also directed to keep fitness equipment and machines as space of 6 feet in between. Usages of Outdoor space, if any, have been encouraged. The owners of gyms and institutes are also directed to mark and create specific pathways for entry and exits by using some signages. Besides, the premises and the equipment installed in the gyms are to be timely disinfected.
“Promote card-based, contactless payment,” the guidelines read. The government has also called for the need to limit staff on the general gym floor or in specific workout areas.
Major Highlights of the guidelines:
- Only asymptomatic persons are to be allowed entry
- A minimum distance of 6 feet to be maintained every time
- A mandatory thermal scanning of everyone
- Isolated batches for the fitness sessions
- No rush on the floor
- The proper arrangement at parking space, corridors, and elevators
- Administrations have to keep a keen eye over detailed check-ins and check-outs of the users
- Mandatory bookkeeping of the users including their contact details
- No spas, sauna and steam bath to be allowed
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
