Considering recent media coverage on COVID 19, we wanted to push out communications to everyone to (a) address applicable questions or concerns many of you have surrounding gym operation and accessibility, (b) ensure you all understand the measures that we’re taking to prevent the contraction/spread of all highly contagious illnesses (i.e., viruses including the many strains of coronavirus, including COVID 19, the flu, pneumonia, etc.), and (c) provide accommodations that are available should any symptoms arise.
With that, your health and safety and the health and safety of our employees (your coaches) are always our number one priority. Please read this entire email as all of the information is directly applicable to continued business operations and prevention or spread of contagious illnesses.
NOTE: References that are sited in this communication have come directly from reliable and objective sources including cdc.org, Johns Hopkins Medicine (linked below), and the Mayo Clinic (linked below).
Topics covered in this email will be as follows:
- Avoiding the COVID 19 Stigma
- Prevention Measures
- Our Role – Gym Sanitation
- Your Role – Hygiene & Recognition
- Available Accommodations
AVOIDING THE COVID 19 STIGMA
We understand that there are many questions, uncertainty, confusion, concern, and lots of emotion around COVID 19. A lot of that can be attributed to misinformation or hysteria caused by the response of several major organizations, world-wide, having significant impact on the economy. Undoubtedly, there is a lot to be concerned about; however, panicking and succumbing to unnecessary isolation, or subjecting others to any form of discrimination, is not encouraged and may not be the most healthy or beneficial. These responses are often a result of or lead to social stigma. Please read more on this topic and how to avoid it here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/related-stigma.html
We urge all of you to read and continually seek objective evidence and statistical data on this virus—most media outlets do not fit into this category and it is recommended by the CDC to avoid excessive exposure to media coverage on COVID 19:
Screenshot (directly below) captured from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html
There’s also other really great information that can be found through the link provided above on mental health and coping—please read through the website as you see fit.
Building off that, and to provide a bit more perspective on COVID 19, please reference the two articles provided below for an objective and in-depth comparison of COVID 19 to other highly contagious illnesses, such as the flu:
- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-vs-seasonal-flu-what-you-need-to-know-about-both/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-disease-2019-vs-the-flu
PREVENTION MEASURES
The preventative measures for this virus (COVID 19) are the same for any other highly contagious illness including the flu. As a training facility with a large community base, disinfecting with the appropriate cleaning products is a standard practice that we have implemented, year-round, due to the inherent and unavoidable risks with high volume and contact that is required with equipment. Though we believe our practices are exceptional, we have ramped up our sanitation frequency for added security and reassurance to all our members and coaching staff. Please ensure that you are doing your part in practicing good hygiene by washing hands frequently, using CDC approved hand sanitizer (located at front desk and throughout the gym) frequently, and avoiding hand contact around face and mouth.
Regarding gym attendance:
- If you are asymptomatic (not displaying any cold or flu like symptoms), and have not had any known contact with COVID 19 or have come in contact with an individual who was also asymptomatic at the time, but later diagnosed with a positive COVID 19 test result, there is no conclusive evidence that spread occurs before people start showing symptoms. Therefore, please continue living your life and actively integrate good hygiene practices and other prevention methods into your day-to-day (this should be unchanging from your response to not contract or spread any other highly contagious illness).
- If you become symptomatic and display any cold or flu like symptoms (regardless of COVID 19 potential), please stay home and focus your energies toward getting better (treatment is similar to any other virus or flu).
Additional COVID 19 information regarding how it spreads, symptoms, steps to prevent illness, what to do if you are sick, and other FAQs can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
In an attempt to avoid substantial financial loss/failure and to assist in providing accommodations for those that are unable to come into the gym, we are prepared to issue at-home programs (with online coaching options for our personal training clients). During this time, we kindly ask that you refrain from placing memberships on hold or cancelling due to fears surrounding COVID 19, as we will continue to provide the services that we offer as best we can. If you are considered to be at a higher risk (older adults or individuals with serious chronic medical conditions), please contact us to discuss options (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html)
We hope that the information contained in this communication is found to be informative and useful. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to any of our coaching staff or Kristy via text or email—we are more than willing to help in any way we can.