A COVID-19 patient could have infected 200 people at Planet Fitness in just one day

According to health officials, the disease may have infected over 200 people in the American fitness club.

After quarantine measures are lifted worldwide, visitors begin to return to stores, beauty salons, and gyms, but this process does not always go smoothly. Planet Fitness, a chain of fitness clubs that operates more than 2,000 gyms, has had a COVID-19 coronavirus officially confirmed.

It was announced that visitors to the Planet Fitness Gym in Morgan Town, West Virginia, could potentially be in contact with a person who had a confirmed diagnosis. Local health authorities say the figure is at least 205. Everyone who was at the club on June 24th from 9:00 to 15:00 was advised to stay in quarantine for 14 days.

The gym where the incident took place was closed for disinfection works. The company also reports that at the moment, there is no information that any other person, visitor or employee, has symptoms of the disease. Since the announcement of the incident, Planet Fitness shares have fallen by 6%. 

In its official announcement, the company assured the public that after the club’s opening, it would strictly follow all safety rules. While visitors register their arrival to the club through a contactless method, employees of the halls carry out regular surface treatment, all ventilation systems are carefully checked, and the necessary distance between the people in the gym is provided. Additional measures include training for staff on new rules and disinfection procedures. It also ensures that temperatures are checked, and the overall well-being of the personnel is checked regularly, and in particular before they enter the hall.