Gyms, theaters can reopen May 15 at 50% capacity

Gyms and fitness studios, movie theaters and museums have the option to reopen beginning Friday, May 15, Gov. Steve Bullock announced Thursday.

The governor announced additional phase one guidelines in response for the COVID-19 pandemic that allows for the openings as long as those businesses adhere to strict guidelines limiting capacity, requiring social distancing, and imposing thorough sanitation requirements.

“In consultation with public health experts, we have determined that these businesses can carefully reopen under strict capacity, social distancing, and sanitation guidelines,” Bullock said. “As Montana continues to aggressively manage the virus and we move forward with the plan to reopen, I am again reminding Montanans that social distancing is vital to continue curbing the virus. All of us must do our part to stay open and stay on a path of decline in positive cases.”

Montana remains in the phase one of a three-phased reopening plan related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening date is set at May 15 so that the businesses and local public health have time to prepare and ensure guidance is being followed.

Under the updated guidance, fitness studios, gyms and pools in gyms can begin operating at 50% capacity. They must operate with strict guidelines including requiring staff to sanitize frequently touched areas and equipment during hours of operation, train workers on symptoms and handwashing technique as well as posting relevant signage instructing members with symptoms to stay home.

In addition, hand sanitizer must be available, employees should wear masks and guests should wear masks when possible. Additionally, a 6-foot distance must be maintained between equipment and in locker rooms.

Personal training may be allowed, if social distancing can be maintained. Indoor group classes are not allowed, but outdoor group classes can occur as long as social distancing is maintained or groups include 10 are fewer people.

Gym pools are allowed to operate at half capacity. Properly maintained pool water inactivates the coronoavirus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control. Pool classes may continue if social distancing can be observed and swimmers should maintain a 6-foot distance in the pool at all times.

Pools at hotels and motels are also allowed to operate at 50% capacity with social distancing.

Non-tactile museums and movie theaters will be allowed to open under the updated guidance. Interactive museums or museums that allow touch interactions and displays and live performance theaters cannot operate.

Museums and theaters must keep their capacity at 50% and maintain 6-feet between non-family members or the immediate party. They must also

Signage must be posted instructing those who have COVID-19 related symptoms to stay home.

Facilities must increase cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces and control customer flow to maximize distancing, and install shielding between workers and attendees whenever possible.

Theaters should increase cleaning time period between events, performances and showings to ensure that commonly touched areas such as arm rests and railings are cleaned frequently. Ushers should monitor and enforce social distancing in theaters.

At museums, gift shops are also limited to 50% capacity.

Full guidance is available at covid19.mt.gov.

Other places of assembly such as performance theaters, concert halls, bowling alleys, bingo halls, music halls, and pools that are not in gyms or at a licensed public accommodation are not allowed to reopen.

Senior living and assisted living facilities must continue to restrict visitors. The 14-day travel quarantine remains in effect for those traveling in from out of state.