BUFFALO (WBEN) - It took until late August for most gyms across New York to legally be able to reopen, but as much of Erie County has now been designated as an Orange Zone by the state, fitness centers are again required to close their doors starting Friday.
"It's just mind boggling," said Amy Bueme, owner of Catalyst Fitness.
Bueme made waves just last week when she said she'd challenge the state if gyms were to required to close again, a position from which she has since backed off as she continues to weigh her options.
"We don't want to put people's lives in danger, and if somebody says you have to do something, we want to do it, but I don't know how else to be heard or to attract attention to the industry," she began. "I wanted to fight, but looking into it, if I fight, not only do I get fined, but I could lose my license to do business...so I'm still at a loss of making money, do I drain my savings account to pay for these fines, and if I lose my license, how difficult would it be to be able to get my license if I can open..."
Bueme's primary complaint, other than not understanding why her industry is being singled out, is that she hasn't seen any statistics to prove that fitness centers and gyms are a driver of COVID spikes.
"Where is it being shown that fitness clubs have spiked and have been a part of problem - where?" she said. "I truly want to see it. There is no proof; there is no data, and that is what's frustrating.
"I truly want facts," Bueme continued. "I want facts from our local leaders - (Mark) Poloncarz and (Kathy) Hochul - I want to see how we are a spreader and how we are in this ridiculous group."
Catalyst Fitness is just one example of a local business being significantly impacted by the pandemic. Theaters, restaurants and numerous other industries have had to make major adjustments just to keep afloat.
Just hours after Governor Cuomo made the Orange Zone announcement, Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa and Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger held a joint press conference to discuss the restrictions in their respective municipalities.
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As businesses have been struggling and will continue to struggle, Kulpa is urging residents to shop and eat locally prior to the holidays.
"We implore people to really, really think about shopping locally, ordering takeout to support our local restaurants and supporting our local businesses because just as they had a tough time in April and May, a lot of those businesses continued to have a tough time throughout this year, and no doubt they'll be having a tough time," said Kulpa. "So, as you're thinking about your holiday lists, as you're looking for something to do as a family to get your mind away from things that you can't do, order takeout, shop local, shop online local..."