Coronavirus at the gym - contagion stopped!
(CNN) A Virginia gym owner thought a nightmare scenario had come true for her when she learned that 50 athletes were potentially exposed to Covid-19 particles by a trainer at the gym. However, thanks to the extra safety precautions and ventilation measures she had put in place, not a single member was infected with the virus.
Velvet Minnick, 44, is the head trainer and owner of 460 Fitness in Blacksburg, Virginia. Like many gym owners across the country, she had to close her facility in March due to the coronavirus. She rented equipment and held online video classes, but it didn't take long for members to burn out.
Reducing viruses in the air - improving air quality
When the state of Virginia kicked off Phase 2 of reopening in June, Minnick was able to welcome her customers back to her studio. She was confident that one member in particular could help her get her visitors back and still keep them safe.
Linsey Marr, 46, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, joined 460 Fitness about two years ago. In her field, she has specialized knowledge in air quality, nanotechnology and the transmission of airborne viruses.
When the gyms closed in March, there was a lot of discussion in the CrossFit community about the mental health benefits of working out, and some owners lobbied to keep their gyms open. Even if that didn't work, it had the benefit of getting them involved in the early stages of reopening. Among other things, it boosted the gym's reopening plan and got the necessary security measures rolling.
Minnick sought advice from Marr on ventilation and strict hygiene and distancing protocols to make training as safe as possible for the athletes.
"I knew that the virus was primarily airborne, so I thought good ventilation was very important so that not everyone would breathe it in right away," Marr told CNN.
Minnick created special practice stations near the doors, each at least 3 meters apart. Individual stations are marked with orange tape on the floor and have all the necessary equipment. There is no unnecessary walking in the gym, and there are no partner workouts where equipment is shared.
"Three meters of space has always been my mantra," Marr said - more than the recommended 1.50 meters, as gym-goers generally breathe heavily during workouts.
Since Minnick herself was the builder of her studio, she was able to pass along the technical and HVAC documents to Marr.
"I did calculations on how big the space is, what the typical wind speeds are in the area and how opening the doors would affect ventilation," Marr said.
She found that the premises were supplied with far more fresh air than required by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, which makes the recommendations for ventilation. Taking into account other research and studies, Marr spoke to experts about the ventilation rate required to significantly reduce the risk of indoor transmission.
"Above a certain level, we don't see outbreaks," Marr said. "And with the doors open, the gym was well above that.
Marr said they can even close the doors a bit more than originally thought and still meet the ventilation standard.
CO2 data logger HOBO MX1102
A CO2 monitor helps to track the levels in the premises.
"Carbon dioxide is exhaled and is therefore a good indicator of how many viruses could potentially build up in the air," said Marr.
Depending on the weather and the comfort of the gym visitors, the doors can be opened more or less. In addition, athletes have the option of taking their equipment outside at any time.
When Minnick learned in September that one of her trainers wasn't feeling well, she wasn't worried at first. While he initially thought it was just allergies, he soon lost his sense of smell and taste, Minnick said, and was tested for coronavirus. She asked him to go into self-isolation until he received his test result.
When the test came back positive, they initially determined that he had contracted the virus not in the gym, but in another environment where he was not outdoors. Using a subsequent system query, they determined which members he had trained with before he became ill.
Minnick personally contacted all 50 athletes, which she maintained over the next two weeks. Some members decided to get tested, but none of them developed symptoms.
"I contacted all of my members on Monday," Minnick said. "And then ... the official contact tracers from the health department. It took until Wednesday for me to even be officially notified of the contact situation. In a situation like this, you have to be sure immediately!"
Even after this potential infection situation and falling temperatures at the start of winter, the gym is sticking to its approach and gym-goers are continuing to adapt.
There are no sweaty post-workout hugs or high-fives. The group often discusses whether the doors should remain open or closed. If everyone wants to stay warm and keep the doors closed, every member has to wear a mask.
"Members are willing to go those extra steps, be cold, be wet, endure all that just so they can feel safe," Minnick says. "They do whatever it takes to enjoy the benefits of training together."
to the CNN report