New Delhi: After more than five months of closure gyms and yoga centres in the national capital have been thrown open in a late night order from Monday onwards. The order has been issued by Delhi chief secretary Vijay Dev issued in which the trial period of weekly markets has also been extended to September 30. ALSO READ | ByteDance Ditches Microsoft Over Oracle As Deadline Looms Over Sale of TikTok's US Operations


Even as the Centre has allowed gymnasiums and yoga centres to reopen across the country from August 5 but the DDMA, headed by Lieutenant- Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal didn’t allow the resumption because of the rising Coid-19 cases.

However, it is to be noted that activities, including opening of gyms, are not allowed in containment zones. So far, around 1,488 containment zones has been identified in Delhi.

The national capital has almost 6,000 gyms and fitness centres spread across the city employing more than 100,000 people.

Gym and yoga enthusiasts need to strictly adhere to the rules for availing the services.

What is allowed?

As per the issued guidelines, yoga and workout sessions are restricted to activities that do not require trainers to touch members.

You will have to ensure a minimum distance of 6 feet between individuals while organisers will have to ensure a floor area based on 4 metre square per person.

Gym operators will have to utilise outdoor space by relocating or offering online training classes wherever possible.

There will be specific entry and exit pathways that are to be created by floor and/or wall markings along with precautionary instructions on posters to be placed within closed spaces.

Also, note that not more than 10 persons per 1,000 sq feet space are allowed.

You have to follow social distancing rules besides preventive measures such as hand hygiene and thermal screening at the entrance.

Gym participants have to mandatorily wear face masks all times within gym/yoga centre premises.

What is not allowed?

Remember you will not be able to avail facilities such as sauna, shower, body massage and spas until further orders are issued.

It is important to note that in case of any violation, owner and manager of the premises shall be liable for persecution under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides sealing of such premises forthwith, as per the national daily HT report.