PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Despite Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to close gyms for the next three weeks, a few area fitness centers are choosing to remain open.
The Newtown Athletic Club in Bucks County and the Horsham Athletic Club in Montgomery County — both owned by Jim Worthington — say they will remain open.
In a statement on the gyms’ Facebook pages, Worthington said he believes in the “importance of fitness as essential in the fight against COVID-19.” He said the clubs are confident in their ability to “operate successfully following all COVID-19 protocols for safety.”
Of the more than 217,000 check-ins at the Newtown Athletic Club since June, Worthington said there has been a minuscule rate of COVID-19 cases and no identifiable community spread.
He added the organization believes it is doing more service to the community by remaining open, allowing members to continue their healthy lifestyle routines.
Wolf ordered gyms to close indoor operations through Jan. 4, 2021, as part of the state’s mitigation efforts. Indoor dining is also suspended, among other restrictions.