Four-Pronged Framework to Global Reopening
This document by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) provides
a framework for managing risks associated with COVID-19 within exercise facilities. It was
created with reference to the World Health Organization (WHO), USA Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), John Hopkins Center for Health Security, as well as inconsultations with club operators and Federations partners worldwide.
As noted in the ​John Hopkins Guidance for Governors​, “Any place where people come together
or have contact with shared surfaces could, in theory, be a transmission opportunity. Exact
quantification of the risk of various activities is not possible…” Though elsewhere in thedocument, it says that “it is possible to reduce that risk with targeted mitigation steps.”
The following provides a four-pronged framework to:● mitigate risk and allow health and fitness clubs to reopen,● provide a safe and supportive place for physical activity, and● pursue mental health and physical wellbeing.

1. Minimizing COVID-19 exposure by implementing appropriate screening
measures
Screening
Most health authorities strongly encourage people exhibiting signs of illness or cold/flu-like
symptoms—cough, runny nose, fever—to stay home and avoid being around other people.
Clubs will implement a range of policies and procedures to ensure staff andmembers/customers are symptom-free, and at low risk for previous exposure to COVID-19.

2. Minimizing the risk of spread through mitigation measures
Facility and Equipment
Facility capacity limits. ​As clubs reopen, capacity will be limited to reduce the spread of the virus,
per local and national health authority, and WHO advice. Capacity limitations will vary depending on
the facility type and size, and areas within the facility that are open to members. All persons in the club(staff and members) should be able to maintain an appropriate social distance from each other. The
World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a distance of at least 1 metre (3 feet.) The US
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 6 feet (2 metre.)Equipment access.​ Rearrangement of cardio and strength equipment and benches and racks in thefree weight area will ensure adequate social distancing. Clubs will turn off, un-plug, provide protective
screens, or remove from operational use certain pieces of equipment to ensure appropriate social
distance.
Additionally, visitors will be encouraged to practice social distancing, including avoidance of “workingin” with others or otherwise sharing equipment. Members will be encouraged to time retrieval of closely
arranged equipment such as dumbbells or medicine balls to avoid close contact with others.
Class schedule and capacity​. Class schedules will be staggered to allow members/staff to properly
disinfect equipment and class space. Class capacity and flow will be adjusted to ensure adequate
social distancing between all participants and instructor, to be enforced by staff as appropriate.
Locker rooms, showers, saunas, steam rooms, and other thermal rooms​.​ ​If social distancing andcleaning requirements can be satisfied in the area(s), they may reopen as allowed by state/localauthorities.
Swimming pools​. If social distancing and cleaning requirements can be satisfied, pools may reopen
where allowed by state/local authorities. Pool based activities and classes will be staggered to enablesocial distancing.
Communal areas. ​Staff is to review the arrangement of communal areas and make adjustments toensure the implementation of adequate safety measures. They will also take steps to avoid closegathering/congregating. Some communal areas, such as cafes, may be closed depending on state orlocal regulations.
Customer services. ​Clubs will take steps to limit close personal interactions with staff, including
implementing contactless payments for services or retail, reservations, and check-in.
Other areas in the club, such as spa facilities, salons, catering, and child care​. Opening otherareas of the club will be evaluated on the ability to put procedures or safeguards in place to minimize
the spread of disease and will follow state and local guidelines.

3. Recognizing everyone’s role in minimizing risk through education andencouraging all members and staff to take all actions possible to avoid
spreading the virus.
Employee protective measures. ​Employee safety is a top priority. Effective measures can include:● personal protective equipment—e.g. masks, face covers, and gloves,● limiting opportunities to congregate during check-ins or breaks,● staggering schedules,● and providing training in cleaning and disinfecting solutions.
These steps ensure both effective cleaning and employee safety.

Members’ responsibilities.​ Members will be encouraged to practice good gym hygiene, to include:● wiping down equipment before and after use,
● washing hands before, during, and after workouts, as needed,● practicing social distancing in all areas of the club,● and using protective equipment as desired or required.
Instruction, coaching, and training can be allowed if members and staff observe social distancing andthe highest level of cleaning standards.
Reminder mechanisms.​ Visual aids—e.g. posters, floor markings, etc.—will be on display,informing and reminding customers and staff of social distances and cleaning protocols
throughout the facility.

4. Minimizing exposure risk by implementing enhanced, evidence-based
cleaning, and sanitation practices.
The facility will post clear cleaning procedures for member reference throughout the club.
Club staff will be mobilized to clean frequently and thoroughly throughout the club.
All agents used for cleaning and/or disinfection will be approved by management and recommended
by the WHO, or national/state/ provincial health department and registered as appropriate with thenational/state/ provincial regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inthe U.S.
Clubs are to provide disinfectant stations in all key areas throughout the club, including theentrance/exit, reception/front desk, studios, the fitness floor, in cardio areas, swimming pools, spa,locker rooms, and catering.
If you have questions, please contact gr@IHRSA.org.