Coronavirus Update, September 17, 2020

Several local gyms have resumed limited operations after meeting requirements announced by the state last month, such as reducing capacity to 33% and updating their facility’s air filtration systems.

According to the Ithaca Times, certain activities with more contact have been limited and some facilities will no longer offer shower services. Guidelines required for reopening include the installation or updating of HVAC units, mandatory mask wearing among other safety measures. 

Local gyms that have reopened include Island Health and Fitness, Pallas Fitness, YMCA at Ithaca and Tompkins County, Mighty Yoga, The Gym, and Fingerlakes Fitness Center. Members are asked to call their gym and familiarize themselves with their guidelines before going in. 

Now looking at the local COVID-19 caseload, the latest numbers, released Thursday from the Tompkins County health department, indicate that there are 2 additional positives, and 6 new recoveries. According to the County Health Department, that leaves 34 active cases of COVID-19 in Tompkins.

In Schuyler County, five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported Thursday, according to their Health Department. Among the new cases was the Hanlon Elementary School student tested over the weekend. Accordingly, everyone in the student's classroom has been put in quarantine. Along with the new positives, 7 active cases remain in Schuyler.

Contributing writing by WRFI News Volunteer Phoebe Harms