The Health Ministry on Monday said individuals must maintain a minimum distance of six feet while doing exercises in gymnasiums and yoga institutes which are set to start operations from Wednesday.
According to the ‘Guidelines on Preventive Measures to Contain Spread of COVID-19 in Yoga Institutes & Gymnasiums,’ released by the Health Ministry, all yoga institutes and gymnasiums in containment zones shall remain closed for public and only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised not to use gyms in closed spaces, the guidelines said.
Yoga institutes and gymnasiums have been asked to plan the floor area based on four metres squared per person.
To facilitate social distancing, the yoga institutes and gymnasiums have also been asked to place their equipment at least six feet apart wherever it is possible.
“Where available, utilize any outdoor space by relocating equipment outside. Create specific pathways for entering and exiting exercise areas within closed spaces using floor or wall markings,” the guidelines stated.
The document called for promoting card based/contactless payment.
The guidelines state that at the entry point at all such facilities, it is mandatory to have hand hygiene (sanitiser dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
“Only asymptomatic persons (including staff) be allowed in the premises. All persons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks,” it said.
“All members, visitors and staff may consider using AarogyaSetu application for risk identification at all times inside the yoga institute/ gymnasiums,” the guidelines stated.
“In yoga institutes, shoes / footwearare to be preferably taken off outside the premises where yoga exercises are done. If needed they should be kept in separate slots for each individual / family by the persons themselves,” it said.
“Details of check-in and checkout times of members and visitors must be recorded,” the guidelines stated.
Those having oxygen saturation below 95 per cent should not be allowed to exercise, it said.
Call central/state helpline/ ambulance and refer such persons to the nearest health facility, the document added.
It suggested staggering of visits of members with separate timing slots to allow for adequate physical distancing and disinfection of premises and equipment.