Phase IV Reopening Guidance

Local gyms are understandably frustrated at their exclusion from Phase IV guidance. Closed since March, the industry cites closures, membership cancellations and lack of enrollments as detrimental to these small, locally-owned businesses. Originally Phase IV was to include gyms, schools, arts, youth sports, and recreation.

Instead, State guidance for Phase IV reopening references "low-risk" indoor and outdoor recreation, specifically listing museums and acquariums while omitting gyms. Furthering the frustration gym owners cite that professional sports leagues received the green light to practice and many plan to restart games in July. MMA and PGA golf started in June.

In the Capital Region, Phase IV is expected to reopen on July 1st, 2020. In addition to low-risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment, media production and higher education can reopen. For additional guidance visit https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries or open the pdfs below.