In one page write a discussion response to the following: I chose to evaluate reopening of gyms and workout facilities. Somehow I’m going to compress 13 pages of dense text into an easy to read outline. The AIHA specifically has 10 questions/topics that it covers. These will form the basis of the outline below. May we all learn something today! Best protect health and safety of employees/customers? First step is to keep checking CDC/WHO guidelines. Maximize ventilation and move classes/activities outside. Set humidity to 40-60%, consider HEPA filters throughout the facilities, and set fans to not blow from one person to another. Handwashing stations and/or touchless hand sanitizer stations must be available in high traffic areas. What communication is needed to inform everyone of preventative steps? Signs are recommended, posted throughout the facility. Signs should explain steps being used and encouraging handwashing sites. Post signs that limit number of clients in rooms, restrooms, shower facilities, and sauna/steam rooms (if not closed outright.) All communication should be easy to read and in appropriate languages for the staff and clientele. Ensure you communicate with other tenants in the building as well. Steps to minimize risk of disease transmission. Washing stations at high traffic areas, cleaning supplies (disposable preferably) at all machine stations, physical distancing so that no one needs to be within 6 feet of another person for 15 minutes or more. Place “cues” to keep people separated even in break rooms and similar public places. Avoid barriers if they affect ventilation/air flow. Ensure that windows/doors are open and ventilation is circulating air. Cloth or disposable face coverings should be worn. What training is necessary for employees? All employees must be trained on handwashing and set on a “before and after work” protocol for personal hygiene. Train employees on face masks and appropriate wear, maintenance, and replacement of masks. Dirty laundry training on appropriate minimal contact with the contents. Training on appropriate PPE for both COVID-19 exposure and cleaning material exposure. Educate on COVID-19 symptoms and basic prevention. What health and safety measures are necessary for new virus variants? Increased personal hygiene (hand washing), good ventilation throughout the facility, face mask wear, and vigilance for symptoms. Proper care, washing, and replacement of face masks. What if an employee or customer tests positive (or has reasonable suspicion) for COVID-19? Counseling and special support should be available, and be prepared to provide special accommodations such as flexible sick leave. AIHA defers to CDC recommendations on COVID-19 test results and quarantine/isolation requirements. What if an employee/customer is sick or not following guidelines? If they are sick, they should not be at work. If people arrive who are sick, there should be a screening protocol at beginning of shifts to detect these people. Symptoms are listed in the document they recommend to screen. Engage HR as soon as possible and follow state and federal guidelines. How do we handle high-traffic crowd management? Make physical separations between people that do not affect air circulation. Aerobic classes can be reorganized in creative ways (formations are in the document) that can help keep distancing even in busy environments. Consider reservations for time slots during the day rather than walk-in access, and limit access during certain times for older/immunocompromised clients with a lower population being given access. How should we clean/disinfect high contact surfaces regularly through the day? There is an AIHA guidance document for specific cleaning practices. Train employees to standard and set an audit system to ensure cleaning occurs. Make SDS available, use disposable cleaning cloths when possible. The EPA maintains a list of appropriate cleaning agents. Provide cleaning supplies for patrons to clean equipment after use, but also have employees regularly clean as well. Fogging and similar practices not encouraged at this time. What can on-site vendors do to minimize COVID-19 transmission?
