Philadelphia Fitness Coalition asks city to keep gyms open

The Philadelphia Fitness Coalition is demanding that the city allows them to reopen. The group of gyms in Philadelphia is pleading to officials as they are shut down for restrictions due to spikes in the coronavirus.

As the number of covid-19 cases rises, the city required gyms to shut down indoor activities at the end of last week. But gym owners say it is unfair because of the safety precautions they have put in place. The Philadelphia Fitness Coalition is urging the city to allow fitness to be a priority for physical and mental health of Philadelphians.

Gyms are one of the many businesses affected by the new restrictions, which went into effect Friday, Nov. 20. The new restrictions are planned to last through at least Jan. 1.

The Philadelphia Fitness Coalition as of Monday morning has nearly 2,000 in opposition to the new restrictions.

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“We collected data on over 260,000 indoor visits from July to Nov 2020 and only 30 reported cases walked into our locations,” the petition reads. “There was a 0% transmission rate traced from person to person. Not a single person contracted COVID-19 from our facilities.”

The more than 30 gyms that make up the coalition want to have an “open discussion and consideration with decision makers in the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Mayor and the Chamber of Commerce within 2 weeks” regarding the reopening of gyms.

A workout protest

When the new restrictions were announced last week, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Farley said due to the increased COVID-19 cases to go to a gym has become dangerous.

“What was now safe is now dangerous with the change in the weather. Many businesses feel they put safety measures in place, sure they have, and I’m sure there’s no spread there and that’s true in many places. Remember, there are more people than ever with the virus,” said Farley.

Meanwhile the Philadelphia Fitness Coalition is planning a workout protest outside City Hall at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.