How gyms in Jacksonville are preparing over coronavirus concerns

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With fears of the coronavirus and germs spreading, some local gyms in our area are having to step up their germ-fighting tactics.

With close contact, crowded spaces, heavy breathing and equipment touched by many different people, the gym might seem like a breeding ground for a coronavirus spread.

But when the clock strikes 12, workers inside Bailey’s Gym get busy.

Gym manager Nick Denker says the gym has posted signs and ordered tubs of wipes and disinfectants. That’s in addition to nine sanitizing stations that were already in place.

“We’re rolling it out to all locations, and it is going to be something we’re doing indefinitely,” said Denker.

More than a thousand members exercise in Daily’s gym every day. That’s a lot of sweat in one place and a lot of people all touching the same surfaces. That is why workers are doing everything they can to stop the spread of germs.

There is no evidence that the coronavirus can spread through sweat alone.

Action News Jax talked to UF Health Director of Accreditation and Infection Prevention Chad Neilsen who says the virus can easily spread.

“Generally, what we know about coronavirus is that they can hang out anywhere from hours to weeks,” said Neilsen.

As more and more cases are confirmed across the state and locally, doctors admit the coronavirus is a worry.

Neilsen says the best way to calm those concerns is to continue moving your muscles.

“It keeps your immune system high. Yeah, we certainly don’t want people to adjust their daily routines to stop exercising, right? Because we have a larger epidemic in this country called obesity,” Neilsen explained.

Meantime, members are sanitizing and washing their hands far more often these days than ever before.

• Planet Fitness says the gym is already using both Rejuvenal and QT3. They also have a sign in place reminding people to wipe down equipment after each use.
• Anytime Fitness is also using Rejuevenal.
• Orange Theory Fitness members were emailed a letter to explain the importance of wiping down equipment and asking them to stay at home if they are coughing, sneezing, have a fever and are experiencing shortness of breath.

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