Ten Resources for Staying Open
Posted: December 1, 2020 in IHRSA
IHRSA: Success By Association
BOSTON, MA – The U.S. is experiencing another surge of COVID-19, with new case counts surpassing 140,000 per day. As states struggle with how to contain the surge, local lawmakers are discussing new restrictions on business operations.
Oregon and New Mexico have announced another round of shutdowns. Several states (Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) are using broad curfews or business-specific curfews in an attempt to combat the spread of the virus. And, other states, such as California, are using regional approaches, which have already resulted in closures in some counties.
A second wave of fitness facility closures would be disastrous to both our industry and the health of our fellow Americans. In the face of the terrible news about the surge there are hopeful signs that some state officials have realized that wholesale closures of businesses including health clubs is not the first action to take. Club operators and state alliances in Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, and more have been able to use IHRSA and other resources to show that clubs are safe and should be allowed to remain open with heightened restrictions, including curfews and mask requirements.
Jill Ryan, the head of the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE), recently announced widespread closures to address the surge that exempted health clubs. Ryan explained, “We have been talking to stakeholders, and we do not feel this is one of the higher risk settings because people are wearing masks at the gym. Gyms are ensuring social distancing and also cleaning their equipment. So we are comfortable allowing it.”
The data and resources below will help you make the case for keeping your facilities open. Use these resources to make the case for continued operation with state or local officials.
Resources provided:
- 1. Check if there is a state alliance in your state! See what advocacy efforts are already underway.
- 2. IHRSA Data Memo: A PDF compilation of best and most current evidence demonstrating that clubs are safe and vital.
- 3. IHRSA Letters to Governors: IHRSA sent Governors in all 50 states these letters last week, to amplify the impact, send the letter with your Governor again with a note from you.
- 4. IHRSA State Fact Sheets: A PDF snapshot of the health club industry in each state. Download the one(s) for your state and share with the government officials in your state.
- 5. Study: Capacity Limits Reduce Community COVID Transmission: This new article refutes the study making the rounds last week.
- 6. Close Contact, Dining Out (Not Clubs) Linked to COVID-19 According to CDC Study: This article explains a CDC study in which the data showed clubs are not high-risk facilities.
- 7. White Paper – Clubs are Essential: A collection of talking points illustrating the vital role health clubs play in keeping America healthy.
- 8. Article: Medical & Fitness Experts Say Gyms Are Crucial to Fight COVID-19: An article in IHRSA’s Medical Experts series, discussing the vital role of health clubs in keeping Americans healthy.
- 9. Colorado News Article: Gyms Remain Open in New Public Health Guidance: An article detailing Colorado’s decision to allow clubs to remain open.
- 10. Tier Comparison Resource: A PDF resource which compares a selection of states’ tier structures for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IHRSA will continue to update these resources as new information becomes available.
If you have not already, we strongly recommend that you engage with your public health officials, share the data and information you have, and offer to let them tour your facility to better understand the safety precautions in place.
If you have questions about this or other issues affecting the health club industry please contact Jake Landry, IHRSA’s public policy assistant.
