MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 181, which permits gyms and health clubs, as well as amusement and water parks, to reopen their indoor premises to the public on Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00 a.m., provided these facilities comply with the health and safety standards issued by the Department of Health.

“Gyms are among the most challenging indoor environments to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “Given where we are in this fight and the overwhelming personal responsibility demonstrated by gym owners and gym members over the past several months, we can confidently take this important step on our road back.”

“Exercise is very important for the body and the mind, but it needs to be done in a healthy environment to protect not only those in the facility but the community at large,“ said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Given the potential for transmission indoors, this guidance provides strict guidelines for staff and customers to follow closely to stay healthy while enjoying their workout or class.”

Under the Department of Health’s Executive Directive, gyms and health clubs who reopen will be required to adhere to the health and safety standards listed in the “Guidance for Health Clubs/Gyms/Fitness Centers”. These standards, which will also apply to other recreational businesses that offer fitness classes and activities, include the following, among others:

• Limit occupancy of any indoor premises to 25 percent of the stated maximum capacity;
• Conduct a temperature screening and questionnaire of staff and clients upon entrance to the facility;
• Limit indoor group activities (e.g., classes) to no more than 1 individual per 200 square feet of accessible space or less, with all individuals being able to maintain 6 feet of distance from other individuals during the entire class;
• Require workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings at all times, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health, such as when in the water and in other situations where the presence of a mask would pose a risk to the individual’s health, or where the individual is under two years of age;
• Demarcate six feet of distance between equipment, or blocking off equipment (e.g. every other machine) to maintain six feet of distancing between individuals using equipment;
• Require that reservations, cancellations, and pre-payments be made via electronic or telephone reservation systems to limit physical interactions;
• Limit occupancy in restrooms to avoid over-crowding;
• Inform clients to arrive dressed to workout/train and bring their own hand towel, water, yoga mat, boxing gloves, and any other equipment;
• Not permit the use of showers, with the exception of gyms with pools, which can have individually partitioned showers or communal showers with installed barriers/partitions at least six feet apart;
• Limit locker room use to hand washing and restroom use only; and
• >Adopt infection control practices and enhanced sanitization protocols.

Activities such as swimming in an indoor pool, tanning, outdoor dining, pick-up of food or beverage, and retail sales, which are otherwise permitted but which are not governed by the guidance, remain subject to applicable standards outlined in Executive Orders, Executive Directives and guidance.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 181, please click here.

For a copy of the Department of Health’s Executive Directive, please click here.

For a copy of the Department of Health’s Guidance for Health Clubs/Gyms/Fitness Centers, please click here.

PARSIPPANY — Staples is offering a 20% discount to all teachers as they gear up for the 2020-2021 school year. Staples is located in the Arlington Shopping Plaza, 760 Route 46 West, Parsippany.

1. Teacher Discount: Now through October 11, Staples is offering 20% off for teachers as they gear up for the new school year when they shop in-store. From traditional supplies to PPE and furniture, Staples has what teachers need to support learning this year and with a great discount. Teachers must provide school ID to receive discount. Exclusions apply*.

2. Classroom Rewards: As part of our Classroom Rewards program, for every qualifying purchase made at Staples through September 26, 20% in rewards will go directly to an enrolled educator of the customer’s choice when they enter their receipt by clicking here. Teachers can also earn a $5.00 gift reward when they enroll in Classroom Rewards. I have attached a flyer for your reference.

3. VIP Shopping Hours: We would like to support our teachers and allow them to shop in our stores before they open to the public. We understand how important it is to keep them healthy and safe for our upcoming school year and we wanted to be able to support our local teachers if they would be interested in teaming up with a bunch of other teachers to shop by appointment.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Staples can help schools make sure they have enough PPE to keep both their staff and students safe this upcoming school year. If a school needs bulk PPE products such as hand sanitizer, masks, shields, sneeze guards, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, gloves, etc… Please feel free to provide my information as a point of contact.