This petition is on behalf of the gyms in the Capital Region (Upstate New York) during the Covid-19/Coronavirus Pandemic statewide PAUSE. It was announced yesterday that Gyms have been removed from Phase 4 of the re-opening plan along will malls, movie theaters, and outdoor theme parks. The argument has been that gyms are unsafe environments, due to the potential spread of the virus in a closely contained area with shared equipment. However, there are many environments that have been open and available to the public which are arguably more toxic and problematic, but have been kept open due to concerns regarding ability to make a living and put food on the table during the crisis (public transportation, supermarkets, construction sites, gas stations…etc). Additionally, more recently, tanning salons, restaurants, department stores, have been cleared to re-open. But, at what point do we consider mental and physical health a serious topic of discussion? We are now over three months into this global crisis and it is clear that there has been a serious impact on mental and physical health on a worldwide scale. It has been a growing concern to mental health professionals that the effects of the pandemic on mental health may cause a surge in suicide and suicide attempts. Gyms are not only a sanctuary for those struggling with mental health issues (PTSD, depression, anxiety…etc), they are also a space for those who are suffering from physical injuries to rehabilitate those injuries. Not to mention, the serious benefits of exercise in strengthening the immune system. The re-opening plan was intended to take into account certain regions that are less at-risk, however, it seems the capital region is continually lumped in with concerns regarding New York City and business owners have been left in a constant guessing game of whether they are going to be able to open their doors or what protocols they are going to need to follow next.

Many local business owners, including the owners of ABC Fitness in Latham, NY (a very popular locally owned business in the capital region) have worked diligently on creating a safe environment for their members, and ensuring that once opened, they will be strictly adhering to any guidelines set in place. ABC Fitness has on only provided a sanctuary for many community members suffering from mental illness and physical disabilities, but has been a large staple of community service and support in the capital region.

There are currently about 25 active cases of Covid-19 in Albany County and about 8 individuals are hospitalized due to the virus. To give you a reference point, Albany County, New York has a population of about 300,000. This does not speak for the other counties that compromise the capital region, but it is clear we are seeing a drastic decrease in active Covid-19 related cases and deaths. Not to mention, we are two weeks out of several protests in the capital region, one that brought a crowd of over 11,000 individuals (peacefully… kudos to Troy, NY) and we have yet to see a spike in cases.

Everyone should have an opportunity to make a choice, especially healthy adults, that are not in close contact with immunocompromised or at-risk individuals. Is understandable that at-risk areas need to be cautious with their re-opening plans and procedures. However, it is unfair to force these same procedures on areas that have had a serious decline. Continuing to deny access to gyms to those in the capital region is only going to create further sickness and instability, in a crisis that has already greatly affected individuals and the economy.

We submit this petition to reopen gyms in the capital region as part of Phase 4 of the Covid-19 re-opening plan.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GYM!!