Misericordia University Anderson Fitness Center Protocols
Return to Fitness Center Guidelines for COVID – 19
 
Employee Health and Hygiene

• Employees who have a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home.
• Employees should wash and sanitize hands often - including prior to work, after work, and after using the bathroom
• Employees should wear a mask if physical distancing cannot be maintained on the job
• Educate and train employees to navigate through new protocols

 
Clean and disinfect

• All equipment should be disinfected after use by patrons
• Additional disinfecting materials will be dispersed throughout the room
• Place additional hand sanitizing stations throughout room for patrons
• Housekeeping staff will provide thorough cleaning of facility
• Encourage patrons to wash hands prior to and after facility usage and after using the restroom
• Eliminate water station inside the fitness center; encourage patrons to bring their own water
• Minimize equipment sharing and disinfect equipment after each use
• Patrons will be asked to clean/disinfect lockers after use
• Ensure proper HVAC flow

 
Physical Distancing for equipment layout

• Space equipment at least six feet apart
• Guests should use self-check in at reception desk (card reader)
• Use markers and signage to indicate social distancing for patrons
• Place "traffic flow" arrows on floor to encourage foot traffic patterns
• Mats will be removed from the fitness center

 
Controlling Room Usage

• Fitness desk will be staffed full time to ensure all guests are students, faculty or staff (no outside guests will be allowed use of the facility)
• All patrons must be masked when utilizing the center.
• Maximum occupancy of 25 patrons.
• Patrons who have a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home.
• Staff attendant will count patrons and allow access up to capacity
• Physical distancing markers should be placed outside of room for patrons waiting to use facility
• Guests will be allowed a maximum of 60 minutes in the fitness center
• Guests will be allowed a maximum of 30 minutes per piece of equipment
• Athletic team workouts in the fitness center are prohibited (unless scheduled after hours). All athletic team workouts during opening hours must be arranged at alternate facilities

Other Considerations

• Post signage encouraging alternative exercise options around campus (walking, running, biking, etc.)
• Post signage encouraging usage at "down" times of the day (6-11am and 7-10pm)

 
 
Resources
 
CDC Interim Guide for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019
 
Pennsylvania Department of Education Coronavirus Guidance and Resources for School Communities. https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx
 
Wisconsin Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Gyms and Fitness Facilities. https://wedc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-19-Gyms-and-Fitness-Facilities-Guidelines.pdf
 
American Industrial Hygiene Association Back to Work Safely webpage with guidance for gyms and workout facilities as well as other sectors. www.backtoworksafely.org
 
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. www.osha.gov