New Post-Exposure Quarantine Signage Requirements Affecting Gyms and Fitness Centers

As of January 1, 2021, gyms and fitness centers in Georgia have different obligations to maintain under Governor Kemp’s latest Executive Order. The latest Order, which was renewed on January 15 for two weeks, requires gyms and fitness centers to implement additional measures to help slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19, namely, those supporting a new Post-Exposure Quarantine Protocol (PEQP) that affects individuals and many businesses in Georgia.

New Signage Requirements

During the term of the Order, gyms and fitness centers are required to post signage at any entrance to instruct patrons that they cannot enter if they have had contact with a person that has or is suspected to have COVID-19 within the prior 14 days and has not completed the PEQP. The PEQP is an escalating series of quarantine requirements that is mandatory for any individual who has, in the last fourteen days, been within six feet, for more than fifteen cumulative minutes, of a person who has or is suspected to have COVID-19. The escalating quarantine. This quarantine period is a new requirement in Georgia. There are no further instructions in the Order for gyms and fitness centers, beyond posting the required signs.

Continuing Requirements

As has been the case for several months, gyms and fitness centers are still required to implement multiple other health and safety measures, including the following: .

• Screening patrons at the entrance of the gym or fitness center for patrons exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19;
• Placing new signage at any entrance to instruct patrons of gyms and fitness centers that they cannot enter if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or show symptoms of COVID-19,
• Limiting the use of cardio machines to every other machine;
• Requiring no less than 10 feet of distance between patrons participating in group fitness classes; and
• Requiring sanitization of high touch surfaces, bathrooms, and locker rooms regularly throughout operation hours in addition to a regular cleaning schedule.

What does this mean for your business?

While cases in Georgia are currently on the rise, we expect that the new and existing obligations are likely to continue for some time. We recommend that you consult with counsel on appropriate signage and other measures to document your compliance efforts with the above required measures. As a gym or fitness center, you may have to continue to plan for extra training of staff, additional orders of PPE, and decreasing group fitness sizes.