Masks in Hawaii Gyms at all Times

A new amendment to the Emergency Order Ho‘oulu i Honolulu 4.0, recently approved by Governor Ige, requires masks in Hawaii gyms for all persons within a fitness facility – employees, clients, guests, etc. – at all times. Yes, this includes when exercising.

This would be the case unless one of the exceptions listed in Order 5 of the emergency order applies, for example, individuals with medical conditions or disabilities where wearing a face covering may pose a health or safety risk.

Previously, the Fitness Facility had the discretion to allow the client/guest to remove the face covering if necessary to safely complete an activity.

Fitness facilities must warn patrons to only perform exercises to the extent they can breathe comfortably while wearing a face covering and that exercise tolerance and ability will be hindered so patrons may need to alter their workout routine.

“This is about keeping everyone safe, and showing our aloha by wearing face coverings,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “We want gyms to stay open, so people have somewhere to exercise and keep up with healthy practices during this pandemic. However, we’ve already seen that this virus can spread in environments where people are indoors exercising together. This is another way for us all to keep one another safe.”