Can Gyms Stay Open Under California’s New Stay-At-Home Order?
CALIFORNIA — Californians who were hoping to workout enclosed by the warmth of an indoor gym this winter will have to wait until coronavirus cases subside in the Golden State. Beginning Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new regional stay-at-home order bans fitness centers from operating indoors.
The order will affect some 33 million Californias for at least three weeks and will force many business sectors to close, including dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, zoos, museums and playgrounds — whether they’re indoor or outdoor.
As for gyms and fitness centers, outdoor operations may continue under the order as long as COVID-19 safety guidelines are met. Under the new restrictions, outdoor exercise can occur in groups no larger than 12, according to the state’s guidelines.
“Gyms in counties in a region that is impacted by the order must stop indoor operations,” California’s website states. “Outdoor gyms meet the essential workforce definition of an