The State released long-awaited guidance on reopening gyms and bowling alleys Monday, giving Central New York fitness centers a chance to open their doors again. Bowling alleys will be able to open at half capacity, and gyms will need an inspection by the local health department before reopening.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said the county is earmarking $150,000 of $500,000 in grant money to help these businesses specifically with pandemic related costs.
“The businesses that got opened up later, please take advantage of that,” said McMahon. “But certainly we want to be able to help you cover some of these costs related to opening up. And we know that you’ve been waiting very patiently.”
The grants can be applied for at Onondaga County’s economic developmentwebsite.
McMahon has also partnered with school districts across the county to provide testing ahead of students returning to school. The county will help with rapid testing at schools with in person learning for staff and eventually students. McMahon said he understands staff anxiety, but he believes the combination of social distancing, mask wearing, and testing will keep people safe.
“And hopefully that will make these educators feel a little bit more comfortable,” said McMahon. “In addition to that, they’ll have the proper PPE [personal protective equipment] they need. When you take all this into consideration, it’s about really mitigating the risk of catching this virus as small as you can get to. And I think we’re doing everything humanly possible.”
The county’s infection rate is under 1%, which it has been for well over a week now. McMahon said the key to keeping the infection rate low is by testing and tracing. He’s encouraging anyone who has even light symptoms to go get tested.
