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Friday, August 21, 2020
Vol. 5, No. 34
Port WashingtonTimes FALL HOME & DESIGN
LAW OFFICE BURNS IN PLANDOME RD. BLAZE
SUOZZI, RICE BLAST USPS CUTS
PAGES 23-27
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Gyms to reopen as infection rate hits new low
D O G D AY S
Facilities will be limited to 33% capacity, masks still required BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that gyms throughout New York are permitted to reopen at 33 percent capacity as early as Monday. Protocols that will be enforced for every facility include wearing a mask at all times, social distancing of six feet, cleaning and disinfection supplies available for patron use at all times, and classes by appointment or reservation only. The gyms must also use air filters with a designated efficiency. Cuomo said on Monday that local elected officials have the option to delay the reopening of the facilities until Sept. 2 to provide local health officials time to conduct inspections. Officials are also permitted to delay the resumption of indoor fitness classes beyond Sept. 2. “The localities have a role here. They have to inspect the gyms before they open or within
two weeks of their opening to make sure they’re meeting all the requirements,” Cuomo said. “The local elected will make the decision in a jurisdiction and the local health departments must inspect before or within two weeks to make sure the guidelines are in place.” Martine Hackett, an associate professor of health professions at Hofstra University, said she believes Cuomo made the right decision to open the gyms but anticipates future closures of facilities for several reasons. “We know from a public health perspective, physical activity is a huge positive,” Hackett said in a phone interview. “So on one hand, reopening the gyms is a great step. On the other hand, gyms also represent one of the biggest challenges for maintaining control of the virus. Whether it’s singing, breathing heavily, it is easier for the virus to spread in an enclosed space.” Continued on Page 34
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH HEMPSTEAD ANIMAL SHELTER
Napoleon, a senior dog available to adopt from the North Hempstead Animal Shelter, chills at the beach.
BW moratorium won’t be extended: Dalimonte BY R O S E W E L D ON
Mariann Dalimonte said Tuesday at a meeting of the area’s A moratorium on building steering committee. Conducted over Zoom with in Port Washington’s waterfront business district will not over 67 audience members be extended, Town of North watching from home, the meetHempstead Councilwoman ing saw Dalimonte and town
Planning Commissioner Michael Levine discuss proposed changes to the town’s code. The changes would affect the designated waterfront business (BW) district, which covContinued on Page 47
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