02.20.2020 Operating Gyms While in Quarantine
Boutique gyms are not mandated to close in Austin as of March 20, 2020. Although Mayor Steve Adler did mention “gyms” in his oral announcements, his official Order does not explicitly name gyms. Instead, the official Order says you cannot gather ten or more people simultaneously in the same place. The law firm, Thompson Coe, corroborates this stance and says:
The City further clarifies that the following facilities may remain open but will need to alter operations to comply with the Order, meaning that there is a 10-person limit in the space: […]gyms, [.…].”
Boutique gyms must still follow increased hygiene standards such as distance and remember that Covid-19 can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to three days. In addition, many such gyms cater to specialized populations and must determine if there is a greater risk of inactivity or exposure for their particular client population.