New Jersey gyms pounced on the CDC’s latest mask update, sending out emails and social media posts announcing their facilities were now mask-free zones before quickly backtracking when they realized going maskless would violate New Jersey law.
Retro Fitness, Jersey Strong, and Gold’s Gym were amongst the fitness centers that promised their customers they could remove their masks while working out, after the CDC said vaccinated individuals did not need masks indoors.
“Jersey Strong is excited to announce that, based on CDC guidance, face coverings are optional for all fully vaccinated members and guests in all locations effective immediately,” an email sent to members of the gym’s eleven locations said. “No proof of vaccination is required. See you at the gym!”
But two days later, Jersey Strong backtracked in a second email.
“We have been advised by authorities that if we maintain our new masking policy that we will be fined and shut down,” the second email reads. “Therefore we regretfully must go back to our original masking policy until NJ Governor Murphy decides that it is safe for you to be maskless while working out after being vaccinated.”
The mask rules at Retro Fitness are less clear, and adherence to state rules appears to differ by location within the Retro chain.
A post shared on the chain’s main Instagram account, and reposted by several New Jersey locations, says that masks are no longer required and that gyms will not ask for proof of vaccination. Although the post says gyms will follow state and local mandates, it does not make clear that New Jersey specifically still requires masks.
“Masks are now OPTIONAL while inside @retrofitness health clubs,” the Sayreville location wrote, seemingly contradicting state guidance. All of the comments were overwhelmingly positive, with several saying they’ll return to the gym now.
But locations in Bayonne and Middletown both said masks will continue to be required in accordance with state policy.
“As soon as the State lifts the Mandate we will do the same !” the Middletown location wrote. “This Pandemic has been difficult for all of us but we are getting closer to Normalcy!”
A spokesperson for Retro Fitness did not respond to a request for clarification on the chain’s mask rules.
Gold’s Gym in Totowa similarly made an Instagram announcement saying vaccinated members did not have to wear masks or social distance. The comments were largely positive.
Masks are required in Gold’s Gyms where required by law, the chain’s website says.
Gov. Phil Murphy has held steady on requiring masks indoors for all individuals, even after the CDC revised its guidance earlier this month.
The Garden State remains one of just a handful of states to maintain indoor mask mandates with no date set to drop them, although Murphy has said it could come within a few weeks.
“We’re gonna get there,” Murphy said at a press conference last week. “But when you’ve got it going in the right direction as we have it going now, the more time you can put on the clock, there higher chances are that you’re gonna drive this thing permanently into the ground.”
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Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
The Link LonkMay 20, 2021 at 01:28AM
https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/05/gyms-send-mixed-signals-as-murphy-cdc-differ-on-indoor-masking.html
Gyms send mixed signals as Murphy, CDC differ on indoor masking - NJ.com
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