A Canadian spin studio followed public health guidelines. But 61 people still caught the coronavirus. - The Washington Post

And riders were asked to wear their masks into the studio and remove them only while exercising, in accordance with local rules.

Now, despite appearing to have complied with public health regulations, at least 61 people linked to the studio have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Although Hamilton requires masks to be worn in most public settings, the law includes an exemption for anyone “actively engaged in an athletic or fitness activity.” In keeping with that policy, the studio, SPINCO, allowed riders to remove their masks once clipped into their bikes, and told them to cover up again before dismounting.

In a recent Instagram post, SPINCO’s owners said that they had been “hesitant” to reopen after getting the green light in July and would not resume classes “until it is safe to do so.” Health officials have said that the studio is temporarily closed and cooperating fully with the investigation.

As of Tuesday, 44 cases linked to specific classes were detected, Richardson said.

In August, South Korea confirmed dozens of cases linked to a single Starbucks in the city of Paju where many customers did not wear masks.

In May, after the reopening of a hair salon in Missouri that required masks, two stylists — who had worked with more than 100 clients — tested positive for the virus.

But masks were required inside the salon, and of the several dozen customers who opted to be tested after their potential exposure, none of them tested positive.