Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new guidelines today under which gymnasiums and yoga institutes will be allowed to open from August 5.
Elderly people above the age of 65 years, people with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years have been directed not to use gymnasiums or yoga institutes in closed spaces.
Yoga Institutes and Gymnasiums shall adhere to protocols and prevention measures outlined in this document to prevent the spread of COVID-19, says the guidelines.
Generic preventive measures
- All yoga institutes and gymnasiums in containment zones shall remain closed for public.
- Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
- All yoga institutes and gymnasiums shall comply with all health related guideline/SOP/notification issued by the Union/State Government from time to time.
- Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised not to use gyms in closed spaces. Organizations managing the yoga institutes and gymnasiums shall advise all members, visitors & staff accordingly.
- The generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (members, visitors & staff) in these places at all times.
These include:
- Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet as far as feasible.
- Use of face covers/masks is mandatory at all times with in the premises. However, during yoga
- exercise or exercising in gymnasiums, as far as possible only a visor may be used. Use of mask (in particular N-95 masks) during exercise may cause difficulty in breathing.
- Practice frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty.
- Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be practiced wherever feasible.
- Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
- Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
- Spitting should be strictly prohibited.
- Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.