Students are finding many differences on Humber College campuses this semester, with limited capacity, masks, sanitization, and social distancing now part of their daily experience as well as routine checks from security guards at entrances.
At North Campus, one of the things many want to know is the status of the gym.
James Depoe, manager of the North Campus athletic facilities, said he’s got a plan.
“It’ll be similar to a reservation system,” Depoe said. “We’re just figuring out the equipment-issuing process, and how that equipment is going to be cleaned and sanitized for the next user.”
Weight rooms have reopened and Depoe aims to have the gymnasiums re-opened by Thanksgiving.
“The weight room and the cardio room are open, ” he said. “But it’s by appointment only, and our max capacity right now is 50 people.”
Students planning to use the gyms should be prepared to visit Humber athletics to book a time slot and come prepared to show proof of vaccination, Humber Guardian and student ID.
Vanessa Fiore, a member of Humber’s women’s soccer team, outlined some new requirements and practices.
“Everyone keeps their distance, and you don’t have to work out with the mask on if you feel more comfortable to do that, and you can have up to 90 minutes in one slot while leaving 30 minutes for staff to get everything cleaned up,” Fiore said.
Damian Charles, a former student, recalled the benefits of having easy access to the gym in the days before COVID-19.
“A lot of kids that aren’t on any sports teams really look forward to classes, but also that form of de-stress that comes with going to shoot hoops in the gym,” he said. “Even if it’s a simple pick-up game, a lot of people see that as something that’s necessary to the school experience.”