Limited attendance on outdoor fitness classes announced
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has issued updated COVID-19 guidance limiting the number of people allowed to participate in outdoor fitness classes.
The new guidance issued late Monday says that if all of the individuals in the class are from different households, the class size is limited to eight. Classes can increase to 12 if the additional four are household members of the original eight. Six feet of distancing must be provided between attendees.
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The new guidance, which takes effect immediately, was an update to rules issued last week that require 300 square feet of distance — 17 feet by 17 feet — between patrons at indoor fitness centers in counties in Phase 2 or 3 of the state’s coronavirus economic reopening plan, meaning that for a facility that is 1,500 square feet, up to five clients are allowed in the space. For facilities larger than 12,000 square feet, there is a cap of 25% occupancy. Those rules took effect Monday.
Under the state rules, fitness centers also had to close their showers, hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds along with steam rooms, squash courts, and racquetball courts. And indoor team sport facilities are limited for practice and limited competition with no spectators.
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Patrons don't have to wear facial coverings while engaged in strenuous exercise, though they must wear them immediately before and immediately after exercise and at all other times while inside fitness facilities.