Wear visor, not mask while exercising in gyms

New Delhi, Aug. 3: Ahead of the reopening of yoga institutes and gymnasiums, the health ministry on Monday issued Covid19-appropriate protocols to be followed at such facilities like allowing only asymptomatic people, maintaining social distancing, disinfecting equipment and wearing of visor while exercising as far as possible.

All yoga institutes and gymnasiums in containment zones shall remain closed and only those outside such zones will be allowed to open, the ‘Guidelines on Preventive Measures to Contain Spread of Covid in Yoga Institutes & Gymnasiums’ stated.

“Spas, sauna, steam bath and swimming pools (wherever applicable) shall remain closed,” the document said.

The guidelines lay down the processes and premises redesigning, including proper placement of equipment, that need to be followed before reopening such establishments. Yoga institutes and gymnasiums have been asked to plan the floor area based on four square metre per person.

Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised not to use gyms in closed spaces, the guidelines said.

For the first time since the coronavirus lockdown came into force on March 25, the government has allowed opening of yoga institutes and gymnasiums from August 5 as part of the ‘Unlock 3’ phase. The guidelines state that at the entry point at all such facilities, it is mandatory to have hand hygiene (sanitiser dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.

“Only asymptomatic persons (including staff) be allowed in the premises. All persons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks,” it said. “Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet. Use of face covers/masks is mandatory. However, during yoga exercise or exercising in gyms, only a visor may be used,” the document said.

◗ GUIDELINES FOR reopening gyms, yoga centres issued by Union health ministry

◗ SANITISERS AND thermal screening devices must at entry points of gyms