OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee released updated guidance Monday for gyms and fitness facilities that nearly triples the minimum distance required for patrons exercising indoors, except for those practicing certain team sports.
Starting Aug. 10, instead of the current requirement of 6 feet of distance between patrons, gyms and facilities in counties in Phase 2 and 3 of the state’s COVID-19 economic reopening plan will now be required to provide 300 square feet — about 17 feet — of distance. The number of people allowed in gyms, fitness facilities and fitness classes will be limited by the size of their space under this guidance, and occupancy in facilities and gyms that are larger than 12,000 square feet will be capped at 25 percent.
In addition, showers, hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds will be closed, as will steam rooms, squash courts, and racquetball courts. And indoor team sport facilities will be limited for practice and limited competition with no spectators.
Last month, Inslee had initially called for counties in Phase 2, such as King County, to allow only five people, not including staff, for indoor fitness services at a time. Gyms in phase three counties initially were directed to reduce occupancy to 25 percent and limit group fitness classes to 10 participants. Those rules were set to take effect last Thursday, but Inslee delayed that implementation in order to work with the fitness industry for clearer guidelines based on the size of the facilities.