It’s Time to Let Gym Workouts Commence

RIVERSIDE COUNTY — Barring unforeseen circumstances Riverside County residents could be back in their favorite gym on June 12 for one of those long overdue workouts.

Friday is the date when gyms, hotels, bars, some sports venues, and other businesses might be allowed to reopen under new guidelines the state recently released.

The need for workouts comes as more than one resident has acknowledged becoming a couch potato during the pandemic and not only bingeing on TV shows but also pizza, ice cream, beer and more. The weight gain has become known as the “quarantine 15,” and it isn’t pretty.

However, in an effort to prevent the further spread of coronavirus locally, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser gets to make a final decision about the timing of any reopening, according to the state.

“All guidance is effective as of June 12 and should only be implemented with local health official approval following their review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 populations, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, contact tracing and testing,” the California Department of Public Health stated in a news release.

During a local news briefing county officials held Friday, Board of Supervisors Chair V. Manuel Perez said he had hoped to announce additional re-openings in Riverside County, but local officials needed more time. Retail outlets, hair salons, dine-in restaurants and gaming facilities were among the businesses permitted to reopen countywide about two weeks ago. An announcement on any further re-openings is expected in coming days from the county.

The list of businesses and activities in Riverside County that might be able to resume June 12 include:

• Campgrounds, RV Parks, and Outdoor Recreation
• Hotels
• Cardrooms, Satellite Wagering Facilities and Racetracks
• Family Entertainment Centers
• Bars and Wineries
• Fitness Facilities
• Museums, Galleries, Zoos, and Aquariums
• Music, TV and Film production
• Professional Sports Training and Competition (no live audiences allowed)

Even if Kaiser approves some or all the sectors to reopen locally, the overriding message from the state has been that the coronavirus is continuing to spread.

As of Sunday, the California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 128,812 confirmed cases and 4,626 deaths.

As of June 6, there have been 2,362,218 tests conducted in California and reported to the California Department of Public Health. This represents an increase of 53,918 tests over the prior 24-hour reporting period. These numbers include data from commercial, private and academic labs, including Quest, LabCorp, Kaiser, University of California and Stanford, and the 25 state and county health labs currently testing. The Department is now reporting all tests reported in California, rather than the total number of individuals tested.

“Just because some businesses are opening doesn’t mean your risk for COVID-19 is gone. We all need to continue to keep physical distancing, wash our hands and wear face coverings in public,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, state public health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health. “As we continue to release guidance on how different sections can reopen with modifications, it is important to remember guidance doesn’t mean ‘go.'”

On Friday the state also issued interim guidance for reopening of schools, which include the recommendation that all school staff wear cloth face coverings (unless Cal/OSHA standards require respiratory protection).

“Teachers can use face shields, if available, which enable younger students to see their teachers’ faces and to avoid potential barriers to phonological instruction,” according to the guidelines.

Students should be encouraged to use cloth face coverings as well, according to the guidelines.

“Cloth face coverings are most essential in settings where physical distancing cannot easily be maintained, such as school buses or other settings where space may be insufficient,” according to the guidelines.