Despite the continuing increase in coronavirus infections across Israel, gyms and swimming pools are demanding to be allowed to open on Tuesday.
“All the professional bodies understand that the gym industry is essential and are in favor of opening,” the Gym Forum said in a press release. An outline for opening gyms in green and yellow cities has received support from MKs from all factions, it said.
MKs supporting the plan include Knesset Finance Committee chairman Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism), Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, Regional Cooperation Minister Ofir Akunis (Likud) and Knesset Economy Committee chairman Ya’acov Margi (Shas).
The proposed outline would enable gyms to enforce guidelines and prevent crowding and lines, the Gym Forum said.
According to the guidelines, people coming for a workout would have their entry and exit recorded and have their temperature checked at the entrance. Visitors would have a time limit on training, and no additional visitors would be allowed in until those who have finished leave.
Admission to fitness clubs will only be allowed with registration beforehand. Anyone who does not register before arriving will only be allowed in if there is space available, according to the guidelines.
Visitors will be required to wear masks and to clean workout equipment with disinfectant spray and wipes. Social distancing will be enforced, and partitions will be set up between equipment stations.
Most fitness clubs in Israel have smart ventilation systems that ensure quality air circulation in the gyms, the Gym Forum said.
The forum conducted a Zoom meeting last week with Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, the Health Ministry’s head of public health. But the ministry “did not bother to read the outline” and has rejected the plan to reopen gyms in the meantime, the Gym Forum said.
A protest tent has been set up in front of the Knesset, where there will be demonstrations and activities this week, including spinning classes and Zumba, the Gym Forum said.