PMC issues guidelines for gymnasiums in Pune

Pune Municipal Corporation on Saturday, October 24, 2020 issued guidelines on Standard Operating Procedures {SOP} to be followed by gymnasiums. The government of Maharashtra had recently announced that gymnasiums would be allowed to operate from October 25, 2020.

Vikram Kumar, Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation in a press release issued on October 24, 2020 gave a detailed information on the SOP’s to be followed by gymnasium owners and its users too.

In the entire State, Gymnasiums outside of containment zones have been allowed to function from 25.10.2020 vide order dated 23.10.2020. Now following standard operating procedure/guidelines are being issued for operation of gymnasium.

General Mandatory Instructions :-

The generic preventive measures include simple public health measure that is to be followed to reduce the risk of Covid-19. These measures need to be observed by all (members, visitors and staff) in these places at all times. These include :-

• Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet as far as possible  
• Use of face covers/]masks is mandatory at all times within the premises however while exercising in gymnasiums use of N-95 mask during exercise may cause difficulty in breathing. While exercising surgical masks or multi layered cloth masks, tightly woven, cotton blend which securely fit over the nose, mouth and under the chin is best. Single layer cloth masks can also be used during exercise.
• practice frequent hand washing with, soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be practiced wherever feasible.
• Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with tissue / handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly
• Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to State and
• District helpline. 0 Spitting should be strictly prohibited. g) Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.

Generic preventive measure

l) All gymnasiums in containment zones shall remain closed for public. Only those outside containment zones will allow to open up’ 🙂 All gymnasiums shall comply with all health related guidelines/S0P/ Notifications issued by the State Government from time to time’

-i) persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of l0 years are advised not to use gymnasiums in closed places.

Organization managing the gymnasiums shall advise all members, visitors and staff accordingly.

Specific measures to followed include :

a)     Before opening the gymnasiums processes and premises redesigning including proper placement or equipment’s

I. Plan gymnasiums floor area based 0n 4m2 per person’

ll. place equipments” including, cardio and strength machines at atleast 6 feet apart wherever feasible, by moving equipment to facilitate social distancing. Physical exertion from exercising can increase exhalation rate and intensity, making physical distancing even more important to lower the risk of transmitting the virus that causes covid19.

 12 feet is minimum distance required around patrons performing an-y activities that increases breathing rate or intensity, 6 feet is the minimum distance that is required between those who are not performing exercise than increases breathing rate or intensity’. Whenever possible increase the distance’ Arrange equipment in an “X” pattern to provide greater distancing- Black off every other machine or move equipment so that they are farther apart.

lll. Where available, utilize any outdoor space by’ relocating equipment outside

Create specific pathways for entering and exiting exercise areas within closed spaces using floor or wall markings.

Ensure queue management inside and outside the premises, with specific markings on the floor with a gap of 6 feet

Promote card based / contactless payment

For air-conditioning / ventilation the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range 24-30 C, relative humidity should be in the range of 40–70, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate

Limit the number of staff and members within the general gymnasium, specific workout areas and change room by : Restricting the number of members allowed in specified areas implementing “fitness sessions”  particular exercise areas with requirements for members to register (ideally online) specific sessions’ Iocker rooms can be used as long as social distancing is maintained’

Ensure dustbins and trash cans are covered at all times’ spa, sauna, steam Bath and swimming pool (wherever applicable) shall remain closed