07/23/2020
CHICAGO (July 22, 2020) – The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced a “re-tightening” of COVID-19 restrictions, reducing group classes to a maximum of 10 participants. In response, Brad Ehrlich, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Orangetheory® Fitness Illinois, would like to better understand the CDPH and the BACP data behind the new restrictions that are targeted specifically to group fitness settings.
“Orangetheory is one of the largest operators of group fitness programs in Illinois with 60 open locations. Since reopening on June 29th, we have collectively run over 100,000 workouts in the state of Illinois with over 20,000 workouts in the City of Chicago without a single known case of COVID-19 starting or transmitting in our studios,” stated Ehrlich. “The already existing limited 25% capacity, 6’ physical distancing, mask usage, cleaning procedures, temperature checks and pre-screening before entering the studio are working to prevent spread.”
“We have always taken a preventative approach in managing the health, safety and wellness of our employees and members – they are like family,” said Ehrlich. “This outcome of keeping members safe mirrors the same successful outcomes in the other 900 Orangetheory studios in operation throughout the country as of today, including studios in hotspots like Texas and Florida.
“Fitness studios are well suited to create a safe experience during group fitness classes due to their structured class environment, safety/disinfection practices and ventilation standards” concluded Ehrlich. “Our unique structure, combined with our adherence to social distancing and safety guidelines, has kept our staff and our members safe.”
Orangetheory Fitness in Your Community
“Our #1 priority has always been the health and safety of our members and our team, and we have gone to great lengths and great expense to re-open in a manner that continues make this our primary focus,” said Fletcher Boyle, owner/operator of Orangetheory Fitness Chicago – Old Town, Chicago – West Loop Chicago – Streeterville, Chicago – River North, and Park Ridge.
