What to Know
- A South Jersey gym reopened for business Monday morning in defiance of a state order that shutdown nonessential businesses to help stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
- The owners have said the decision to resume operations at the members-only facility was not about financial gain, but rather a question of Constitutional rights.
- The gym owners said they have taken several steps to ensure social distancing and taken other precautions, such as taping off workout stations and operating at 20% of the building’s capacity.
A New Jersey gym reopened for business early Monday, defying a state order that shut down nonessential businesses to help stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
People began gathering outside the Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, Camden County, several hours before it reopened at 8 a.m. The owners have said the decision to resume operations at the members-only facility was not about financial gain, but rather a question of Constitutional rights.
“We truly believe that if we don’t do this, in the end, we will have zero rights and no say in what happens,” co-owner Frank Trumbetti said in a video posted on the gym’s Facebook page.
Trumbetti told NBC10 his mother recently tested for COVID-19 and was taken off life support last week. He said he can't see her in her final days because he wouldn't have been able to open his gym.
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"My mom would kick my (expletive) if I didn't finish this," Trumbetti said.
Dozens of people came out to show their support for the gym, with many holding signs critical of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and others waving American flags. Only some were wearing face coverings and most people tightly clustered together on the sidewalk and parking area in front of the gym.
“If they shut us down today, we’ll reopen tomorrow,” co-owner Ian Smith told the cheering crowd. The gym then saw a steady stream of customers as the morning progressed.
Around 10:30 a.m. Monday, Bellmawr police approached the business and spoke with the gym owners. The officers informed the pair and the crowd that they were formally in violation of the shutdown order, adding that police were present “only for everybody's safety.” The officers then wished everyone well and told them “have a nice day” before walking away from the gym as the crowd erupted in cheers, some high-fives and "U-S-A" chants.
Murphy ordered fitness centers, movie theaters and casinos closed on March 16 as part of the state's efforts to fight the pandemic.
“They (the officers) actually surprised the hell out of me,” Trumbetti said afterward, noting that they “did their job and upheld their oath ... and know that we are not doing anything wrong. It's about time for every police officer out there to understand we all have rights and, even as a police officer, you don't have to do this it is unconstitutional. It's that simple. We have the right to work."
Trumbetti urged other businesses to take similar stands and reopen, but noted the several steps the gym has taken in their efforts to ensure social distancing and protect patrons' safety.
"Make sure you're compliant, you can't just open up and be a rebel,” he said.
Murphy said he wasn’t concerned other businesses would begin to follow suit because the state is beginning to take steps to reopen. He did, however, suggest the state might take action if the defiance continues.
“I’m not concerned it will spiral out of control, and we will take action,” Murphy said. “If you show up at that gym again tomorrow, there’s going to be a different reality than showing up today. These aren’t just words. We’ve got to enforce this, but I also don’t want to start World War III.”
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Pat Callahan said it was his understanding the the gym owners were issued a summons by local police, but he didn't elaborate further. Clients were given a warning.
On Tuesday, police returned to cite the gym ownership again. A crowd of demonstrators, smaller than Monday, shouted at the officers.
Trumbetti said he is committed to continue opening despite the citations. Only being behind bars would stop him.
Ownership then urged supporters to back up and give police space. “They are not our enemy,” an owner said.
Among the precautions the gym owners took were taping off workout stations and operating at 20% of the building’s capacity, meaning about 44 patrons at a time. They also were requiring patrons to wear masks unless they were in the middle of lifting weights.
Gym staff will be taking patrons' temperatures at the door and anyone at 100.4 or above will not be allowed inside. The gym's owners also said it wouldn't allow any new members to join Monday.
The gym also posted a warning from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office that anyone who patronizes a business in violation of the executive order could face a disorderly persons charge.
