Business and Leisure Health Clubs Gyms

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AIM

To provide guidance - on how best to facilitate the safe and gradual reopening of health clubs, gyms, and spas, while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission as much as possible.

COVID- 19 COMPLIANCE MANAGER

A dedicated COVID-19 Compliance Manager should be appointed for every facility responsible for ensuring compliance with this guidance, and the education and awareness of staff and customers of rules and guidance.

REGULATING ENTRY AND EXIT

Measure temperature of the clients, entry only for those at temperature below 38 degrees.
Ehteraz App to be downloaded by all staff and customers, entry only permitted for those with green status
Gyms and health clubs maintain capacity at up to 30 % of total capacity.
Selected sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzies, Moroccan/Turkish bath, massage services, may open up to 30% capacity based on MOCI approval.
Indoor pools may open up to 30% capacity and outdoor pools up to 50% capacity.
Changing rooms to remain closed

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Maintain a minimum physical distance of 3 m between people in all areas (36 m2 per person) – excluding family groups who share a household.

INFECTION, PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Masks to be worn by staff and clients at all times.
A person can remove the mask when alone in the room, or when with a trainer who has a mask on. However, it is advised that the person keeps the mask on to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
Provide facilities for regular hand hygiene using soap and water or hand sanitizer for staff and customers.
Staff must undergo regular testing as per MOPH guidance.
Amend job descriptions to include cleaning and disinfection duties.
Before opening conduct a physical review of all facilities to ensure all essential systems are operational and clean (e.g. fitness equipment).
Staff will carry out regular cleaning of high-contact touchpoints and hard surfaces throughout the premises between clients, every 2 hours, and as needed, in all areas .
Encourage customers to bring their own towels, personal hygiene kit, and water bottles and extra masks.
Provide sanitizing wipes and clean water dispenser.
Mandatory to provide material to wipe/disinfect equipment before and after use.
When handling soiled linen, follow precaution and proper use of PPE (face masks, gloves).
Cleaning and disinfection of all areas at the start and end of each day and as needed.
Identify a protocol for employees to follow if they or a customer become ill or present signs of illness.
Comply with MoPH Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) guidance prior to reopening.
Comply with MOPH Guidelines for pools, if an indoor or outdoor pool is included in the facility.

RECEPTION AREA

Provide hand sanitizers at the reception area.
Ensure processes to maintain physical distancing rules remains in place for reception staff/or put screens in place.
Ensure that queue management is in place - 1.5m spacing markings on the floor and if necessary, outside the entrance.
Clean and disinfect card machines, pens, counters, and other hard surfaces between customer use.
Make available locker keys to guests on arrival at reception. Visibly sanitize all keys in front of the guest when handing out and receiving back.
Remove magazines, newspapers etc from public areas.
Clean and disinfect shelves and items displayed on hard surface containers in retail areas and remove testers.

SPA SERVICES

Clients should come based on prescheduled appointment only (no walk in).
Masks to be worn by clients where possible (according to treatment).
Masks or masks as well as face shields to be worn at all times by staff.
Visual indication of service providers washing hands prior to and following treatments.
Encouraging clients to wash or sanitize hands prior to treatments
Staff to wear clean gown/uniform which is changed between customers.
Cleaning and disinfection of all the surfaces and equipment used between customers, including door handles, light switches, counter tops, treatment tables, trolleys, face cradles, workstation equipment, stools, etc.
Clean and disinfect all tools and implements in accordance with standing regulations (including facial steamers).
Clean and disinfect containers where tools and implements are stored.
Clean jet lines in foot tubs.
Pool and spa water should be tested for microbial contamination as per MOPH guidance for the re-opening of swimming pools.
Allow only one client at a time in Jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms.
For massage, Moroccan and Turkish bath services, ensure both staff and clients wear masks at all times.
Maintain 15 minutes downtime between clients for all spa services for proper ventilation, cleaning and disinfection between clients.
Allow single client use of towels in spas, taking into consideration necessary precautions when handling soiled linen.

GYM FLOORS

Only equipment that is 3 m apart will be used. This can be done by moving equipment or marking every other piece of equipment in the gym out of order (to facilitate social distancing) or zoning.
Equipment should be cleaned and disinfected after each customer use – this can be done either by the customer or by staff using spray and cloths provided, in addition to the regular cleaning schedule.
Ensure that extra signage regarding physical distancing is in place around the free-weights area.

FITNESS CLASSES

Only 1: 1 trainer client sessions are allowed provided that wearing of masks and a physical distance of 2 meters is maintained all the time.
A person can remove the mask when alone in the room, or when with a trainer who has a mask on. However, it is advised that the person keeps the mask on to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
The trainer should only take a limited number of clients and should be careful to keep no physical contact with the client or very minimal contact with gloves if needed to correct posture, etc.
Schedule by online/phone booking to restrict capacity to maintain 2 m physical distancing in each class.
Provide a minimum of a 10-minute window in between classes, so no ‘waiting around’, and to allow for cleaning and disinfection.
Equipment (including mats, etc.) have to be cleaned and disinfected between use by a staff member using spray and cloths provided and follow manufacturer recommendations.
Cleaning and disinfection of all hard surfaces every 2 hours, and as needed.
If possible, markings will be made on the floor to show the area allowed for individuals (maintaining 2 meters distance at all times).

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

Keep staff and customers updated on COVID-19 safety and prevention information and guidelines.
Identify ways to visibly promote /cleaning and disinfection activities.
Provide physical distancing signage in all areas, including on floors in waiting and queuing areas.
Emphasis that protecting public health is paramount to the facility.
Use MoPH health messages and materials.
Let customers know what steps you are taking to keep them safe.

HEALTH AND SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES

Educate staff on the importance of COVID-19 precautions including effective hand washing practices, proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) use, and updated treatment protocols
Implement a daily screening process for staff (thermal screening, Ehteraz green status)
Staff who are unwell should not be at work.
Educate staff to maintain physical distancing, including during breaks, and modify break times to avoid staff congregation
Educate staff on proper responses to guests who challenge physical distancing, wearing of masks and other precautions.

TO REMAIN CLOSED

Home services.
Showers and changing rooms.

MONEY HANDLING

Minimize cash transactions, encourage contactless payments.
Wipe down credit card readers, etc.

VULNERABLE GROUPS

Staff with chronic conditions should not be at work.
Vulnerable groups (including those above the age of 60, pregnant women, or those suffering from chronic conditions) are advised to remain at home.

COVID-19 Services Assistant خدمة المساعدة الخاصة بكوفيد-19