国际英语新闻:NYC reopens gyms, postpones start of new school year

NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Gyms in New York City started reopening on Wednesday with safety protocols, which signals another step toward a return to normalcy.

Each gym has to pass a virtual inspection, no indoor group fitness classes are allowed, and swimming pools will remain closed. Gyms can only operate at one-third capacity, and members must wear a mask and stay six feet apart.

Gyms in other parts of New York State reopened at restricted capacity on Aug. 24. New York City officials delayed the reopening to Sept. 2.

New York City also delayed the start of the new school year by several days to keep working on coronavirus safety precautions, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday.

Instead of starting a mix of in-person and remote learning on Sept. 10, the city's more than 1 million public school students will start remote-only classes on Sept. 16. In-school instruction will begin on Sept. 21.

Restaurant indoor dining is still prohibited in the city, which has resulted in more outdoor dining and extended fence-protected dining in the street.