The 628th Force Support Squadron's operations have recently started back up, including the opening of the Air Base Fitness Center at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, with restrictions in place due to COVID-19.
"When the military members come in, they have to have on a mask," said Air Force Master Sgt. Sandra Coleman, the fitness and sports section chief with the 628th FSS. "We go over the COVID-19 questionnaire, and we also have our rules printed out. The newest thing is that customers do not have to wear a mask while they're working out. As they transition from equipment or machines, they do have to put their mask back on. They have to abide by the room capacity numbers and maintain a minimum of 6 feet of physical distance."
Coleman added that the fitness center team has spaced all the equipment out to ensure compliance with social distancing guidelines.
"Customers must wipe down all equipment bars, handles, seats, etc.," she said. "There is no equipment that will be handed out, and all members must exit through the hurricane port into the lobby, where they will check out with us. Also, personnel must come in proper fitness attire — changing is not permitted."
Air Force 1st Lt. Brian Boarman, the officer in charge of fitness and sports, outlined the gym facilities that remain closed.
"Our parent-child room is closed," he said. "The spin room, the racquetball courts, the Alpha Warrior rig and the aerobics room are all closed, as well as the locker rooms, the sauna and the showers."
Boarman also listed who is allowed in the Air Base Fitness Center and what times they are allowed to be there.
"Right now it is all active duty, guard and reserve members only," he said "We do not have 24-hour access right now, nor do we have weekend hours. The reason is we wouldn't have the staff to clean it. We're open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m."