The world came to a standstill this year seeing many daily routines screech to a halt. One of the most notable was that of session-based programming. Gymnastics, swim lessons, run clubs, fitness centers—you name it—they all came crashing down. With many relying on these classes to maintain their health, wellbeing and income, we have seen several protocols put in place to ensure their survival…but which ones actually work? Below is a list of the most effective ways to safeguard your programming during these unsettling times.
1) Masks –
No way around it folks, they work, but only if worn properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Make sure your cloth mask: fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, completely covers the nose and mouth, is secured with ties or ear loops, includes multiple layers of fabric, allows for breathing without restriction, and can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.” Yes, masks can be difficult to wear while exercising, but there are several reputable athletic apparel manufacturers that produce them with your workout in mind (such as Under Armour and even our friends at Fleet Feet).
2) Social Distancing –
Quite possibly the word of 2020 (or a close second to “unprecedented”), “social distancing” has its merits in the fight against COVID-19 (though we feel the term “physical distancing” is probably a better coined one). Ensure that your students, athletes, participants, etc. maintain six feet of spacing between one another when they are in your sessions. In sports like swimming where they are confined to a pool lane, governing bodies such as USA Swimming have come up with protocols to start swimmers at opposite ends and in the middle of lanes in lieu of bunching together on one side.
3) Wash Your Hands & Disinfect
We’ve heard this ad nauseam, but it is tried and true…washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces slows the spread. Set up your programming near a handwashing station and/or keep hand sanitizer at the ready for your participants, urging them to wash their hands for at least twenty seconds between plays/exercises/songs / [insert activity break here]. Also, keep your equipment well sterilized between use—never underestimate the value of some Clorox wipes on the sideline.
4) Switch To A Cashless / Touchless Transaction Process
This is something we have a bit of experience with at Captyn. Avoid handling cash, touching a keypad, or filling out a sign-in sheet. With our completely mobile-friendly transaction process and check-in protocol as well as the ability to place class size limits and institute release of liability waivers at checkout, Captyn can help you protect your registrants and staff.
So what common practice doesn’t really work? One of the most commonly used for class-based programming…temperature checks. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading public health expert, has referred to them as “notoriously inaccurate” and the World Health Organization has said that temperature screenings are “not an effective way to stop international spread.” The reasoning is that not every infected person has a high temperature and therefore it is an ineffective preventive measure often giving session participants a false sense of security that they are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 when, in fact, their risk for exposure has not decreased as a result.
For more resources on COVID-19 please refer to the CDC website.
