JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Due to Health Protection Condition Charlie restrictions, fitness centers at Joint Base San Antonio installations are open to active duty, active Reserve and active Guard service members only at this time, with safeguards put into place to protect the health and safety of both customers and facility staff members during the coronavirus pandemic.
Doug Price, 502nd Force Support Squadron chief, fitness and sports at JBSA-Lackland, said there are several protocols military members must follow when they go into an installation fitness center.
“We are all navigating through a challenging time and environment,” Price said. “The focus for our JBSA fitness team is to safely provide facilities and programs to meet mission demands while maintaining current health protocols established for the safety of both our staff and valued patrons.”
Health and safety protocols include wearing a mask when entering the facility and undergoing a health screening process at the front desk by a staff member, to include individual temperature checks.
Price said anyone whose temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above will be denied access to the fitness center. Military members who do pass the initial health screening protocols will receive a thorough briefing on current facility rules and policies to help ensure their safety and the safety of patrons around them.
Signage inside the fitness centers reminds customers to follow the six feet rule of physical distancing. The exercise equipment in the facilities is also set up to help maintain that rule, with equipment marked with physical distancing signage.
Equipment signage is rotated appropriately and frequently to afford patrons a diverse selection of equipment to meet their fitness goals and for maintenance purposes to ensure equal distribution of volume usage.
Fitness center users are required to wipe down exercise equipment before and after each use. In addition, to help ensure the highest level of cleanliness is sustained, fitness center staff members are continuously sanitizing and cleaning equipment.
“Our dedicated fitness professionals are always visible in the facility, cleaning around patrons, and available in general for fitness-related assistance,” Price said.
Once inside the facility, face masks are required when social distancing is not possible.
Price said staff members diligently monitor the facility to help remind patrons to follow the health and safety protocols in place.
Fitness centers are being limited to 50 percent capacity, and customers are asked to limit workouts to between 45 and 60 minutes, giving other customers a chance to use the facilities without exceeding the 50 percent capacity threshold.
Locker rooms in fitness centers are open and are also limited to 50 percent capacity. Only a designated few lockers are available for usage in each locker room. Price said this system identifies what specific lockers require thorough cleaning and sanitation maintenance throughout daily operations.
Price added that physical distancing guidelines are established for restrooms, showers and locker room usage as well.
Basketball courts are open for group unit physical training sessions only and do require unit members to maintain social distancing protocols.
Information on JBSA fitness centers, including hours of operation and health and safety protocols, is posted at: https://jbsatoday.com/events/fitnessopening.