Gov. Gina Raimondo on Wednesday provided guidelines on the reopening of gyms and fitness centers when Rhode Island begins Phase 2 of reopening.
During her daily news conference, Raimondo said under Phase 2, which she hopes will begin June 1, gyms and fitness centers will be able to resume in-person activity on a limited basis with restrictions.
The governor said cloth face coverings must be worn and people must stay 14 feet away from one another.
Locker rooms and whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms must remain closed, according to the new guidelines.
Gyms are encouraged to use a reservation system for their members, the governor said.
Customers will be required to provide contact tracing information before or upon entry, according to the guidance.
All the guidelines, which were developed in consultation with gym and fitness owners, are posted on the Reopening RI website.
State health officials reported 21 new COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday for a total of 655. There were 143 new cases reported for a total of 14,353 statewide.
The scheduled remarks come a day after Raimondo said Rhode Island was on track to begin Phase 2 of reopening.
"That is going to be a reopening of almost every part of our economy," Raimondo said. "I’m 100% confident that we are ready and we can do this safely.”
In Phase 2, all state parks and beaches will open with limitations and social distancing regulations.
As the state moves towards reopening, Raimondo said she hopes to provide further guidance Thursday on indoor dining and hair salons and barbershops, which are also on track to open in Phase 2.
