With many members of the gym still wondering about the safety of their clubs and fitness industry officials warning that they are facing a struggle for survival, an analysis of Colorado health data by researchers at the University of Oregon suggests that COVID-19 state halls spread a little.
The International Association for Health, Rocket and Sportsclub, which commissioned the study, reported in October that its data showed a tiny infection rate in U.S. gyms of 1,155 cases out of 49.4 million in-room check-ins (0 , 0023%). He then asked the Oregon Advisory Group, based at the University of Oregon Business College, to conduct an independent study. These researchers chose Colorado to study, analyzing data provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment.
The study, based on CDPHE statistics up to November 18, was published on December 7. It covered 32 weeks of attendance data at the Colorado gym, representing nearly 8.5 million check-ins, and found no connection to 59 outbreaks reported by CDPHE.
“Available data suggest that, compared to other settings, gyms are not a predominant source of COVID-19 outbreaks,” the study said. “No outbreaks were reported in gyms or comparable sports facilities.” An outbreak is defined as a transmission event that includes two or more people in a workplace or facility.
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The data indicate that gyms are safer than bars, restaurants and grocery stores, while more than half of COVID-19 outbreaks come from “health care settings”.
Colorado gyms are looking for five-star certifications in their counties to move from red-to-orange capacity restrictions, a program announced last week by CDPHE. Gymnastics capacities in Level Red counties were reduced last month from 25% to 10%, which industry officials called “unsustainable” for their businesses.
The Colorado Fitness Coalition, which was formed in August to speak for the industry with one voice, said the state is facing the loss of about 200 gyms, 22,000 jobs and $ 12 million in payroll taxes. if the restrictions are not eased soon. In a typical year, the Colorado fitness industry generates $ 695 million, the coalition said.
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“Gymnasiums continue to struggle at a dramatic pace and we are losing more and more gyms,” said JoAnna Masloski, a member of the coalition’s advisory board and chief operating officer for Colorado Athletic Club’s seven Front Range facilities. . “We need to reach a greater capacity for survival. We are not spreaders. We are working as hard as we can to get this five star certification.
“In any case, we are not spreaders and we are punished, unlike malls – uncontrolled environments, uncontrolled people who walk and touch,” said Masloski. “They are not punished, and our gyms are in a difficult situation. We go to the malls and say, “Oh my God, our business is about to die and you don’t control it.” “
“We don’t want to harm any industry, we just want people to know that we are safe,” she said. “We are a controlled environment. It is now proven to be the case. We need to increase our capacity. “
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