At last — Cuomo lets gyms reopen at one-third capacity

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Gyms throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, along with the rest of the state, can reopen as soon as Aug. 24, following inspection by local authorities, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today. Facilities can reopen at 33 percent capacity, with face coverings required at all times and ventilation that meets state-mandated health guidelines.

“Localities have a role here,” he said. “They have to inspect gyms before they open or within two weeks before they open.”

Cuomo added that the state's .7 infection rate is the lowest it's been since the pandemic began. “Congratulations to New Yorkers. New Yorkers did what everyone said couldn’t be done. Going forward we must protect the progress by keeping the infection rate down," he said.

As schools move ahead with reopening, Cuomo stressed that a successful plan depends upon districts working in tandem with their communities.

“The people who make the decisions are parents and teachers,” he said. “Opening schools has been problematic, and parents have a right to be concerned. Parents are not being obstructionist. School districts must make sure that parents are confident and comfortable with it [their plan]. Parents have many questions. The consultation process has to be real. If school districts have a Covid spread then the state