Safety protocols in an exercise facility result in no detectable SARS‐CoV‐2 spread: A case study

Abstract

Abstract Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) disease has been a public health emergency of international concern with millions of confirmed cases globally. Closed environments with reduced ventilation contribute to the spread of COVID‐19, including superspreading events. Exercising in closed places further increases the risk for transmission. Therefore, many fitness facilities were closed as part of mandated shutdowns early in the pandemic. Evidence‐based safety protocols have now emerged and substantially reduce the risk of transmission. We report three positive cases of SARS‐CoV‐2 identified at a Dojo exercise facility in Manlius, NY, at three distinct time points. All cases were present in the Dojo 2 days prior to symptoms, a time period considered to be highly infectious. The safety protocols included universal mask wearing (no valves), multiple high‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and reduced capacity which resulted in no known spread of COVID‐19.

Keywords

• COVID‐19
• exercise
• safety protocols