The government issued fresh guidelines for gymnasiums and yoga institutes which have been allowed to lift shutters from Wednesday (August 5) during Unlock 3. The guidelines said that that the yoga centers and gymnasiums which fall under containment zone shall remain closed until further notice.
The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that elderly people above the age of 65 years, people with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years have been directed not to use gymnasiums or yoga institutes in closed spaces.
Yogic kriyas are to be avoided or planned in open spaces. Users to be put in batches and allocated staggered timings to avoid overcrowding of people while entering and exiting the fitness centre. Each batch could have a gap of 15-30 minutes in between to keep rush at bay and facilitate cleaning and disinfecting process, the release stated. "Those having oxygen saturation level below 95% should not be allowed to exercise," the release added.
"Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet as far as feasible," the guidelines stated. Wearing of masks and face covers is mandatory, however, those may cause breathing difficulties during exercising, therefore, the government has said people can use a visor as a preventive measure.
Frequent hand washing and using hand sanitizers have been emphasized by the MHA which has also advised a strict practice of "respiratory etiquettes".
The owners and managers of gymnasiums and yoga institutes have been directed to plan fitness activities keeping the floor area of 4m 2 per person. Equipment and machines should be placed at a distance of 6 feet. Utilisation of outdoor space, if any, has been encouraged. The institutes have also been asked to create specific pathways for entry and exit points into the premises by using floor or wall markings. Regular and timely disinfection of premises, machines, equipment to be carried out.
"Promote card-based, contactless payment," the guidelines read. The government has also called for the need to limit staff on general gym floor or in specific workout areas.
