Indoor pools at NYC residential buildings and gyms can open next week
Photo by Richard R. Schünemann on Unsplash
On September 30, the same day that indoor dining resumes, indoor pools in New York City will be able to reopen at 33 percent capacity, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. “Swimming pools are a community anchor, an exercise center, and an oasis in their neighborhoods—both literally and figuratively. New Yorkers have worked hard to fight back COVID-19. As transmission rates remain low, we’re proud to offer more ways to slowly return to business as usual,” said the mayor in a statement.
Indoor pools are commonly found at community centers, gyms, and as an amenity space at residential buildings. Gyms and fitness studios were allowed to reopen earlier this month, operating at 33 percent capacity.
At the time, however, indoor pools and group fitness classes had to remain closed. There’s still no date on when the latter may reopen, though some studios have taken to hosting outdoor classes. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy allowed yoga, pilates, and martial arts studios to reopen at 25 percent capacity in July.
The mayor said that the Standard Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will oversee indoor pool compliance, though he has not yet released details as to what those guidelines are.
