Hamilton’s SpinCo reopening this month
Hamilton's SpinCo, the site of one of Canada's largest superspreader fitness studio outbreaks, is reopening.
In an email sent to clients Friday, the James Street North spin studio said it will be reopening Nov. 14 with enhanced safety measures in place.
During the period of closure, SPINCO ... took the time off to re-visit our return to ride policy, and make some significant and exciting additions," the email states.
The additional measures include adding a Plexiglas barrier in front of an instructor, installation of a CleanAir systems purifier" which is said to filter all air within the room every 17-21 minutes," enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces, mask-wearing at all times including during the workout, a policy requiring riders only ride at their home studio" and not studios in neighbouring communities and spacing bikes three metres apart.
We are proud of the measures that continue to enhance out studio's safety," the email reads. See you soon Hamilton!"
A total of 85 people were infected throughout the SpinCo outbreak, which was declared Oct. 5 and declared over Oct. 26. Public health had said the studio was following all guidelines. The outbreak prompted the province to review guidelines for gyms across Ontario.
Hamilton public health said in an email that their infection prevention and control (IPAC) team has continued to work with SpinCo after the outbreak was declared over to discuss IPAC measures and recommendations."
Public health spokesperson Jacqueline Durlov said public health will conduct a reopening inspection" once SpinCo requests one.
The reopening plan and date is up to SpinCo local and corporate head office," Durlov added.
Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com