Image Source: Getty / AFP Contributor
On Monday, June 29, CNN reported that more than 200 people who have used a now-open Planet Fitness in Morgantown, WV, are being urged to quarantine after a client tested positive for COVID-19. According to a statement released by the Monongalia County Health Department, anyone who was at that particular Planet Fitness between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, should stay home and practice quarantine safety for 14 days, which would be until July 8. The statement says that about 205 people were at Planet Fitness during that time, and that they should get tested if symptoms emerge.
Also according to the Monongalia County Health Department, West Virginia saw an increase of about 400 COVID-19 cases in the past 10 days since their statement was released on Saturday, June 27. “West Virginia, along with about half of the states in the nation, is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases,” the statement reads, adding that, as current data shows, Monongalia County itself has 152 cases, “up 21 cases in the past 10 days.”
It is unclear whether or not this person was wearing a mask in the Planet Fitness facility (POPSUGAR has reached out for confirmation and is currently waiting for a response). According to the Planet Fitness landing page for questions regarding reopening amid COVID-19, people are being told that they can wear “any personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a mask or gloves to the club if you feel more comfortable.” Each franchisee’s recommendations may look different though, and you can read up on the gym’s health guidelines — such as touchless check-ins and cleaning stations — or see if your specific gym has opened up on the Planet Fitness website.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the community, we are closing the club for an additional deep cleaning by a third party,” Planet Fitness Morgantown said in a Facebook statement seen in full ahead. The club reopened today, Tuesday, June 30, at 6 a.m., and the Planet Fitness corporate office is reportedly unaware of any additional members or employees reporting symptoms, according to CNN.
Out of an abundance of caution, our Morgantown location has been closed for an additional deep cleaning by a third party…
Posted by Planet Fitness on Sunday, June 28, 2020
As a reminder, the CDC notes that transmission through respiratory droplets is the main concern for COVID-19 at this time. In general, wearing a mask in public spaces, especially when social distancing is not possible, is recommended. There are early release papers currently published by the CDC that suggest that the spread of COVID-19 can be linked to indoor workout group classes, namely aerobically intense workouts (aka, where you’re breathing hard). You can read about those and other cases for wearing face masks when you go to the gym here. And, make sure to listen to guidelines in your place of residence.