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Gym Reopenings Are Under County's Authority

Liberty, NY – Per New York State’s directive, Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek has asked Public Health Services to undertake inspections to enable gyms to re-open in compliance with the Governor’s requirements. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo has stated that effective August 24, but no later than September 2, gyms can re-open across the State under the below circumstances. Gyms include standalones, hotel gyms, residential gyms, office gyms and fitness centers, gyms at higher education institutions, yoga/Pilates/barre studios, boxing/kickboxing gyms, fitness boot camps, CrossFit or other plyometric boxes, and other group fitness classes. Further guidance is available at https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries (scroll down to “Gyms and Fitness Centers”).

“I take this new role very seriously, as the future of these businesses is hanging in the balance,” said Potosek. “Assuming they have met the reopening guidance, and in coordination with our Public Health Services office, I intend to give the needed signoff to allow every gym in Sullivan County to open at the earliest date possible. They have waited long enough, and I will not stand in the way of any business that is able and eligible to reopen.” 

All gyms in Sullivan County should call Public Health Services at 292-5910 x 0 with the following information

a.       Legal name, address and phone number of gym.

b.       Town or Village where gym is located.  This will enable inspections to be better coordinated.

c.       Owner(s) of gym.

d.       Name of responsible person at gym. This is the person or persons who will be responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance with the Governor’s requirements.

e.       Plan to comply with the Governor’s requirements.

f.       List of any health-related, pandemic response improvements the gym has made in 2020.

g.       Posted occupancy limit of gyms (prior to the reduction to 33%).

h.       Whether the gym offers indoor classes. Under Governor Cuomo’s rule, counties must approve the offering of indoor classes. 

i.          Hours of operation when the gyms are available for inspection (must be between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, weekends optional) through September 7.

Gyms must also file with the State the “Read and Affirm Detailed Guidelines” available at https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries (scroll down to “Gyms and Fitness Centers”).  

Public Health Services has formed a team, including access to resources from Code Enforcement officials, who will be able to meet with gym owners and go over the checklist and NY Forward Guidance to ensure all areas are in compliance for safe reopening. Successful completion of the checklist will result in the issuance of a certificate of inspection to the business owner. 

“We look forward to working with gym owners to ensure a smooth and safe reopening process,” said Public Health Director Nancy McGraw.

Business owners can call the above number or email questions to Gym_Inspections@sullivanny.us. Any calls or emails will be quickly returned.