From maintaining a distance of six feet to using a visor rather than a mask, from following respiratory etiquette to a strict no to kids and elderly persons with co-morbidities, the Union Health Ministry on Monday outlined the dos and don’ts for gyms and yoga centres ahead of their reopening from August 5.
Come Wednesday, it will be a new normal at gyms and yoga centres when these institutes will reopen as a part of the third phase of easing of lockdown in the country.
The Union Health Ministry’s guidelines maintain that elderly people above 65 years, people with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years should not use gymnasiums or yoga institutes in closed spaces.
Also, yoga institutes and gymnasiums located in Covid-19 containment zones shall not be permitted to open.
Yogic kriyas are to be avoided or planned in open spaces. Users to be put in batches and allocated staggered timings to avoid overcrowding of people while entering and exiting the fitness centre.
Each batch could have a gap of 15-30 minutes in between to keep rush at bay and facilitate cleaning and disinfecting process, the release stated. “Those having oxygen saturation level below 95 percent should not be allowed to exercise,” as per the guidelines.
“Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet as far as feasible,” it says adding that wearing of masks and face covers is mandatory, however, those may cause breathing difficulties during exercising, therefore, the government said that people can use a visor as a preventive measure.
Frequent hand washing and using hand sanitisers have been emphasised besides a strict practice of “respiratory etiquettes” have been advised as per the guidelines.
“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 and managers of gymnasiums and yoga institutes have been directed to plan fitness activities keeping the floor area of 4m2 per person. Equipment and machines should be placed at a distance of 6 feet. Utilisation of outdoor space, if any, has been encouraged.
The institutes have also been asked to create specific pathways for entry and exit points into the premises by using floor or wall markings. Regular and timely disinfection of premises, machines, equipment has to be carried out.
“Promote card-based, contactless payment,” the guidelines read. Only asymptomatic people are to be allowed admission while thermal screening of all users has to be carried out mandatorily.
A minimum distance of six feet is to be maintained at all times. Staggered batches and proper arrangement at parking spaces, corridors and elevators to avoid overcrowding and ensure social distancing. The administration is required to maintain a detailed account of check-in and check-out time of the users along with their details including name, address and contact information.