Cuomo says gyms in New York could reopen next week

• NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's long awaited criteria for gyms reopening were released Monday, with Empire State fitness centers able to open as soon as Monday, Aug. 24.
• The basic metrics include gyms being limited to 33% capacity, mandatory mask wearing while working out, and HVAC installations being approved by local health departments to ensure proper airflow.
• Similar to New York's criteria for schools reopening, the local infection rate will determine if gyms can stay open.
• In the buildup to the announcement, more than 1,500 gyms across the state signed onto a class action lawsuit over the Cuomo administration pulling gyms from its initial reopening plan.

Gyms will be able to open their doors again in New York by as soon as Aug. 24, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.

Fitness centers will be limited to 33% capacity, with mandatory mask wearing for patrons while working out.

Each gym's reopening date will depend on local health departments, which will have to inspect the premises for proper ventilation in their HVAC installations between Aug. 24 and Sept. 2.

—Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 17, 2020

Gyms have been closed in New York since mid-March.

Since then, more than 1,500 gym owners have sued the state and the governor over the Cuomo administration dropping gyms from initial reopening plans under the four phase model.

New York has waited longer than most states to reopen gyms, even as the coronavirus infection rate in the Empire State has remained low compared to elsewhere in the country.