Connecticut COVID-19 Response: Sports, Sports Clubs and Complexes, Gyms, Fitness Centers, and Pools - Update 8/14

Sports, sport clubs and complexes, gyms, fitness centers, and pools can open in Phase 2. Each outdoor sporting event field will be limited to two teams, officials, and limited family members. Indoor sporting events will be limited to 50% of building capacity or 25 people (which ever is smaller) per field, court, pool, rink, etc. For indoor sporting events, capacity limits can be exceeded but only to include two competing teams, officials, and one parent/guardian per athlete. Sports that are allowed to be played include all age ranges.

Gyms, sports clubs, and fitness centers that do not provide organized sports shall operate at 50% capacity. Establishments that require customers to wear a mask while exercising must maintain 6 ft of space between equipment/people. Establishments that do not require customers to wear a mask while exercising must maintain 12 ft of space between equipment/people. For non-vigorous exercises participants can maintain 6 ft of distance while not wearing a mask.

Pools shall be allowed to open on June 10th to allow for training of lifeguards only, prior the June 17, full reopening.

OVERVIEW
As sports, sports clubs and complexes, gyms, fitness centers, and pools the most important consideration will be the health and safety of athletes, coaches, employees, and customers. Businesses and leagues must exercise caution throughout the reopening, ensuring strict adherence to the protocols listed here. Those businesses and leagues that are not able to meet the rules listed here by June 20, shall delay opening until they are able.

While these rules provide a way for sports, sports clubs and complexes, gyms, fitness centers, and pools to reopen in as safe a manner as possible, risks to athletes, coach's, and employees, cannot be fully mitigated. Athletes, coaches, employees and customers who choose to visit/partake in these activities during this time should be fully aware of potential risks. Individuals over the age of 65 or with other health conditions should not visit/partake in gyms, fitness, sportsclubs and facilities, and organized sports, but instead continue to stay home and stay safe.

Businesses and leagues should take these rules as the minimum baseline of precautions needed to protect public health in Connecticut. Individual businesses and leagues should take additional measures as recommended by industry guidelines or by common sense applied to their particular situation.

We urge athletes, coaches, employees, and customers to stay vigilant and pay attention as to whether the gyms, fitness, and sports clubs they frequent are faithfully implementing these rules

IHRSA
https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/coronavirus-resources-for-health-clubs/

OSHA
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/youth-sports.html

CIAC
https://www.ciacsports.com/site/

PLAN FOR REOPENING Share these rules with your employees and inform them of any additional specific measures being taken in response to COVID-19.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Appoint a program administrator who is accountable for implementing these rules.

CLEANING PLAN Develop cleaning checklists that incorporate these rules. Ensure it is clear which employees are responsible for implementing the plans.

TRAINING The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. Training shall be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours. The training materials shall be presented in the language and at the literacy level of the employees. Employers shall continuously update staff on changes to these Sector Rules. The training shall include: • Guidelines outlined in this document • Protocols on how to clean and use cleaning products (incl. disinfectants) safely • Additional guidance can be found here: https://osha.washington.edu/sites/default/files/documents/FactSheet_Cleaning_Final_UWDEOHS_0.pdf NOTE: If any on-site duties are subcontracted, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure subcontractors are also appropriately traine

PERSONAL PROTECTION Estimate required personal protection for employees and begin procuring.

THOROUGH CLEANING Complete a thorough cleaning of facility prior to reopening, including: • Bathrooms • Equipment • Desks/work stations

LOG EMPLOYEES Maintain a log of employees on-premise over time, to support contact tracing

SHIFTS Stagger shift start/stop times and break times to minimize contact across employees.

CAPACITY TRACKING Employers are responsible for enforcing revised capacity limits (50%).

CERTIFICATION Complete the self-certification on the DECD website to receive a Reopen CT badge. Once complete, businesses can choose to post the badge on-site and on social media to advertise adherence to CT rules and build customer confidence.

ENTRY & EXIT Consider an exit from the facility separate from the entrance to allow for one-way foot traffic.

SIGNAGE Post clear signage that reinforces new policies, e.g.: • Social distancing protocols • Cleaning and disinfection protocols • Personal protection protocols (facemasks, gloves) • Employees shall stay home if sick/experiencing symptoms • Customers shall not enter if they are experiencing symptoms • Additional signage can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/COVID-19-Signage-for-Download

VENTILATION For facilities with central ventilation systems, increase ventilation rates and increase the percentage of outdoor air that circulates into the system where possible. For facilities where a central ventilation system is not used, window air conditioning units or unit ventilators should be adjusted to maximize fresh air intake into the system; blower fans should be set on low speed and pointed away from room occupants to the extent possible. Ceiling fans should be adjusted so that fins are rotating in a direction that draws air up toward the ceiling rather than down onto occupants. Window fans should be turned to exhaust air out of the window in the direction of the outdoors. Window fans that blow air into a room or free-standing fans that only serve to circulate existing air around a room should not be used.

FACILITIES Temporarily close common areas and check-in counters (unless touchless) where customers or employees may congregate.

SOCIAL DISTANCING MARKERS Install visual social distancing markers to encourage customers to remain 6 ft apart (e.g. the entrance to the facility, locker rooms, class spaces, fan areas).

TIMING Consider limiting length of activities to avoid unnecessary exposure, decrease congestion, and allow for additional sanitization.

LAYOUT Adjust equipment layout and close or restrict access to equipment to maintain at least 6 ft or 12 ft of distance between equipment.

INTRADAY CLEANING Employees shall clean all equipment frequently, and customers must wipe down equipment after each use. This includes free weights

TOUCHLESS APPLIANCES Install touchless appliances wherever possible, including: • Contactless payments, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, trash cans

DUMBBELLS/FREE WEIGHTS Establish and clearly mark “workout zones” for use of dumbbells and free weights. • Free weight exercises that require a spotter can only be performed if both parties are wearing a mask.

NON-ESSENTIAL AMENITIES Close or remove amenities non-essential to businesses' main function (e.g. babysitting, arcades).

DISCRETE WORK ZONES FOR EMPLOYEES Employees should be assigned specific areas to clean and disinfect within the facility to prevent omitting areas that need attention.

HOTLINE FOR VIOLATIONS Post clear signage that includes the state hotline (211) for employees and customers to report potential violations of these rules.

SHARED EQUIPMENT Shared machinery and equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned after every use.

FRONT DESKS Front desks should be outfitted with Plexiglas or other similar type of barrier.

LOCKER ROOMS Disable or mark every other or every third locker for non-use to enforce 6 ft social distancing requirement. • Facilities where lockers are assigned to members are not required to disable lockers but must enforce social distancing requirement • Remove any casual seating other than benches by lockers as necessary • Disable or close-off showers except for rinsing before and after any pool activity • Disable or close-off steam rooms and saunas • If independent showers are available and used, they must be attended and sanitized between each use

WATER FOUNTAINS Athletes, coaches, and customers shall be required to bring their own water bottles. Water fountain use shall be restricted to water bottle filling stations only. Congregating at water bottle filling stations shall be limited and signage reinforcing the use of water bottle filling stations only must be displayed

CONCESSION STANDS Allowed to open but must follow Sector Rules for Restaurants. • Sales of only prepackaged food and drink does not have to follow Sector Rules for Restaurants

TANNING BEDS Must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after every use.

MASSAGE THERAPY Must follow Sector Rules for Personal Services.

HOT TUBS 50% capacity and 6 ft distancing

BASKETBALL COURTS Allowed to be utilized for group fitness activities.

PICKLEBALL/PADDLE TENNIS Allowed.

TENNIS Follow USTA guidelines.

SQUASH/RACQUETBALL 1∶1 only.

OUTDOOR CLASSES Group classes should be held outdoors or virtually to the most extent possible while maintaining 6 ft of social distancing at all times

INDOOR Indoor group classes shall only be held at 50% capacity of space where class is taking place while maintaining 6 ft of social distancing at all times. Space should be thoroughly cleaned after every use.

SCHEDULING Customers shall schedule their participation in a group fitness classes in advance of arriving. Sufficiently adjust class schedules to allow for deep cleaning between classes.

COHORTS it is encouraged to build cohorts for group fitness classes.

SWIM TRAINING Follow USA Swimming guidelines.

CAPACITY Limit the total number of patrons in the pool area and pool to the number of people/households that can safely fit on the pool deck area while maintaining the 6 ft social distance guideline, including 3 ft wide walking paths.

CLEANING & DISINFECTION Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily and more frequently depending on usage. • Handrails, slides, diving boards, starting blocks, structures for climbing or playing • Lounge chairs, tabletops, pool noodles, kickboards, balls • Door handles and surfaces of restrooms, handwashing stations, and diaper-changing stations

PATRONS Should arrive in swimsuits and shower prior to arriving.

MODIFIED LAYOUTS Change deck layouts to ensure that in the standing and seating areas, individuals can remain at least 6 ft apart.

PHYSICAL BARRIERS & GUIDES Provide physical cues or guides (e.g. lane lines in the water or chairs and tables on the deck) and visual cues (e.g. tape on the decks, floors, or sidewalks); and signs to ensure that staff, patrons, and swimmers stay at least 6 ft apart from those they don’t live with, both in and out of the water.

SHARED OBJECTS No sharing of personal and/or facial items such as goggles, nose clips, snorkels, or caps.

INDOOR CLASSES Indoor group classes shall only be held at 50% capacity of space where class is taking place while maintaining 6 ft social distancing if wearing a mask and 12 ft of social distancing if not wearing a mask. Space should be thoroughly cleaned after every use.

SWIM LESSONS Allowed. Lessons that require physical contact between the instructor and student will be allowed during Phase 2. During these lessons, the instructor is encouraged to wear a waterproof mask and minimize face-to-face contact with child.

LIFE GUARDS Additional information on lifeguards can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/environmental_health/COVID-19/COVID-19_Reopening-Recreational-Areas-and-Public-Pools_051920_FINAL.pdf • Additional information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/aquatic-venues.htm

SCREENING Event organizers, staff, coaches, players, umpires/officials must conduct daily symptom assessments (self-evaluation).

TRAVEL Athletes are strongly recommended to travel to the venue alone or only with members of their immediate household, if possible. Face coverings are strongly recommended for individuals traveling to and from the venue, walking in and out of the venue, and while not actively participating

TEAM MEALS Suspend post-activity group snack.

SHARED EQUIPMENT Ensure athletes do not share equipment to the most extent possible. If shared, clean and disinfect frequently.

HYDRATION All players and coaches shall bring their own water bottles. Water bottles shall not be shared.

PRACTICE Coaches should keep players in small groups at practice to allow for physical distancing. • Ensure there is enough time between practices to prevent overlap of participants, and allow for time to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces including, but not limited to: • Benches/dugouts • Door knobs/handles if indoors

GAMES Ensure there is enough time in-between games to prevent overlap of participants, and allow for time to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. • Start times should be staggered where no more than half of the complex is changing over at any given time; games may end in a draw if time expires • Consider adopting temporary rules to accommodate athlete safety

GAME BALL(S) Will be disinfected before and after every clinic, practice, and game.

HUDDLES Players will not huddle at any point during the game/practice. Sportsmanship will continue in a touchless manner – no handshakes/slaps/fist bumps after games.

WATER FOUNTAINS Players shall be required to bring their own water bottles. Water fountain use shall be restricted to water bottle filling stations only. Congregating at water bottle filling stations shall be limited and signage reinforcing the use of water bottle filling stations only must be displayed.

CONCESSION STANDS Allowed to open but must follow Sector Rules for Restaurants. • Sales of only prepackaged food and drink do not have to follow Sector Rules for Restaurants

DUGOUTS, BENCHES, & BLEACHERS Are allowed to open only if they can be thoroughly cleaned before and after every use, and 6 ft of distance can be maintained.

CROWD CONTROL Staff should assist with crowd control by reminding spectators to maintain social distancing when queuing at the gate or other common areas. Spectator compliance with social distancing should be encouraged through periodic announcements or audio recordings. • Individuals shall not congregate in common areas or parking lots following an event or practice. Strategies should be developed that will avoid large crowds at exits, such as dismissing crowds by section.

PARENT SEATING AREA Are allowed to open only if they can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after every use, and 6 ft of distance can be maintained.

PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR EMPLOYEES • All employees are required to wear a facemask or other cloth face covering that completely covers the nose and mouth. Employees that cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition must provide documentation to their employer. • Employees may utilize their own cloth face covering over that provided by their employer if they choose. • Gloves and eye protection are required when using cleaning chemicals.

EMPLOYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING PERSONAL PROTECTION TO THEIR EMPLOYEES • If businesses do not have adequate personal protection, they cannot open.

PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR CUSTOMERS Customers are required to bring and wear facemasks or cloth face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth. Customers do not need to wear a mask while engaged in physical activity if 12 ft of distance can be maintained, but should as they enter and exit the facility and use the restrooms. • Businesses have the right to refuse service to an individual who is not wearing a mask.

PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR CLASS INSTRUCTORS Class instructors do not need to wear a cloth face covering during classes if they are partaking in physical activity as long as 12 ft of distance can be maintained.

PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR COACHES/STAFF/ATHLETES Coaches and staff are required to wear a facemask or cloth face covering when unable to easily, continuously, and measurably keep 6 ft of physical distance from others. While engaged in the active play of sports or strenuous activities, athletes do not need to wear a face covering. However, athletes shall wear facemasks at all other times.

PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR SPECTATORS Spectators are required to bring and wear a facemask or cloth face covering that completely covers the nose and mouth.

POOL ACTIVITIES/AREAS Cloth face coverings shall be worn throughout these facilities, with the exception of while swimming/showering/lounging. Cloth face coverings can be difficult to breathe through when they’re wet.

HAND SANITIZER Hand sanitizer shall be made available at entrance points and common areas, where possible.

HANDWASHING Ensure employees wash their hands routinely using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

INTRADAY CLEANING Employees shall clean all equipment frequently, and customers must wipe down equipment after each use. This includes free weights.

CLEANING, DISINFECTANT PRODUCTS, &/OR DISPOSABLE DISINFECTANT WIPES Make available near commonly used surfaces, where possible, e.g.: • Machinery and equipment • Free weights • Bathrooms

BATHROOMS Clean and disinfect frequently, and implement use of cleaning log for tracking. Clean multiple times a day and hourly during busy times. • Recommend posting signage encouraging reduced capacity in bathrooms, and reminding individuals to wash their hands and wear a mask • Consider placing a wastebasket outside of the bathroom

INTRADAY CLEANING Employees shall clean all equipment frequently, and customers must wipe down equipment after each use. This includes free weights.

CLEANING & DISINFECTING Businesses shall follow federal guidelines (CDC, EPA) on what specific products shall be used and how. • Use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2 and that are appropriate for the surface. Prior to wiping the surface, allow the disinfectant to sit for the necessary contact time recommended by the manufacturer. Train staff on proper cleaning procedures to ensure safe and correct application of disinfectants. • Disinfectants are irritants and sensitizers, and should be used cautiously. • Avoid all food contact surfaces when using disinfectants; these surfaces should be sanitized instead. • Clean and disinfect common areas, high transit areas, and frequently touched surfaces on an ongoing basis (at least daily) and more frequently if used more often. Clean and disinfect shared objects after each use. Examples include: • Entrances and exits • Payment devices (e.g. PIN pad) • Water bottle refill stations

DAILY HEALTH CHECK Ask employees resuming on-premise work to confirm they have not experienced COVID-19 CDC-defined symptoms and to monitor their own symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, or any two of the following symptoms: • Fever • Chills • Repeated shaking with chills • Muscle pain • Headache • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell Employees should stay home if sick.

IN THE EVENT OF A POSITIVE COVID-19 CASE Employees shall inform their employers, and follow state testing and contact tracing protocols. In addition: • Employee should contact local public health to initiate contact tracing. • Recommend 24-hour passive decontamination in the event of a positive case, and follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting. • Additional information can be accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/general-business-faq.htm

LEAVE Employers shall adhere to federal guidance pertaining to paid leave for employees and provide this guidance to employees. Employers shall post the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Department of Labor poster. The poster can be accessed at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters • Additional guidance can be accessed at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave

WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION Employers may not retaliate against workers for raising concerns about COVID-19 related safety and health conditions. • Additional information for the public sector can be accessed at www.connosha.com • Additional information can be accessed at www.whistleblowers.gov