The news and WhatsApp messages on Coronavirus are constantly flowing in, at times I also feel that if there’s no new message for a few minutes then maybe something’s wrong. While there are bigger questions for the governments across the world to contain the spread, fitness centre owners like us have a small question
– Should we let our Dojo or Gym open or hibernate?
Till it’s not a complete lockdown, almost everyone has to go out for some work, (of course without handshakes) and occasional trips to ATMs and shops. We all need to stay fit to boost our immunity as this virus is extremely deadly for unfit with a weak immune system.
Considering above, here’s how to run a fitness centre/Dojo or a Gym in the times of Coronavirus.
1. Disinfect Surfaces like mats, tables, heavy bags and objects like dumbbells, barbells and focus pads need to be wiped with disinfectant regularly as the contamination on surfaces touched by members is one of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads. A clean and hygienic fitness centre is anyway a prerequisite for promoting healthy practices. At a traditional karate Dojo, we clean after every session.
2. Promote Regular and thorough hand washingPut sanitisers at all prominent places around the fitness centre: at the entrance, washrooms and workout areas. Make sure these sanitisers are regularly refilled and posters are put up to promote hand-washing. One may look on www.WHO.intfor poster templates. Ensure that staff and members have access to the washrooms where they can wash their hands with soap and water, as washing kills the virus on your hands and prevents the spread of COVID19.
3. Members with even mild symptoms should be asked to take a break Brief your members and staff that anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) needs to stay at home. Keep communicating and promoting the message that people need to stay at home even if they have just mild symptoms. Display posters with this message in your fitness centre. Ensure you provide these members with an extension of their membership so that they may utilise these days once they are fit again.
4. If anyone starts to feel unwell, call the helpline If any member shows symptoms during a practice session, one needs to immediately report on the helpline number, one may find the helpline numbers on the below link or call the central helpline number +91-11-23978046 or the Haryana number at 8558893911 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/coronavirus-in-india-helpline-numbers-for-states-and-uts/articleshow/74604458.cms
5.International Travellers should be given a 14-day break before joining Communicate properly amongst all the members that if anyone returns from abroad or has a member who has returned from an infected country, they should take self-quarantine for 14 days and join back if there are no symptoms. Remember to freeze the membership temporarily so members do not lose on days.
Also keep a lookout on the government circulars and updates, if there’s any regulation or order to close the place for a few days comply and help everyone to come out of this pandemic at the earliest.
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