12/31/2020
In seeing recent transparency of data related to gyms and COVID infection rates released by other states and health organizations we felt the need to make this post. The closing of gyms indoors in Oregon, as it relates to COVID, when data shows very low infection rates when precautions are taken is concerning and disappointing. Some studies have shown COVID infection rates in gyms as low as 0.06% (Oregon Consulting Group study result using State of Colorado information) and 0.023% (IHRSA data using gym information on a national basis). Listening to Governor Brown and Leadership from Oregon Health Authority during recent press conferences there are two statements made consistently: they are using data and science to make decisions and physical wellness is extremely important in battling COVID to decrease severity of the illness. To the first point, as stated earlier the data shows that when proper precautions are taken gyms are not “spreaders” of COVID. It is understood that gyms could be a higher risk for spread due to heavier breathing, but again when precautions are taken as gyms have been doing the infection rate is very low. In fact, in New York State the data released from Governor Cuomo shows that Gyms/Fitness when compared to other industries is ranked 26th out of 30 industries as far as where new cases are coming from. As you can see the data and science is showing gyms are not a risk for super spreading when precautions are taken, which we are more than happy to follow and maintain. The second point that Oregon Leadership has maintained is physical wellness being extremely important in battling COVID illness severity. Knowing data says we are not a spreader let us help with this. One recent Cambridge study of approximately 3000 US adults showed a 33% reduction in physical activity as a result of COVID isolation restrictions amongst previously active adults and no increase or decrease in previous sedentary adults. The point being those that have the likelihood of facing a less severe COVID illness are now at more risk. As we know in Oregon with the rainy cold winter upon us we could only expect this activity level to drop even further as we aren’t able to get outside or chose not to….with precautions and the ability to operate indoors we can help with this. Another consideration should be that of mental health and depression. A study out of Boston University shows the depression rate has tripled as a result of COVID and this could only further impact the physical wellness of Oregonians and their severity level to the illness. There are so many studies showing the benefits of exercise and fitness in reducing anxiety, depression, and mental health disorders…please let us help. Oregon Government and Health Leadership has recently actively promoted the COVID vaccination as a light at the end of the tunnel, which is fantastic, but at the same time admitted it will take time to get the vaccine out to the general public. We ask that Governor Brown and Oregon Health Authority to partner with gyms in this very long tunnel by allowing us to stay open indoors with precautions to proactively help with addressing underlying health conditions that are the root cause of many COVID deaths and severe illnesses, as well as be a place to relieve stress and anxiety. Why? Because the data and science show this to be the case.
Governor Kate Brown Oregon Health Authority
