Posted: | December 16, 2020 09:57 AM |
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From: | Representative Torren C. Ecker |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Reopening Gyms and Fitness Centers |
As Pennsylvania again has closed various industries throughout our Commonwealth, gyms and fitness centers have once more been unfairly targeted despite little evidence to suggest that they have caused an increase in the spread of COVID-19. These facilities are vital to the health of thousands of members across Pennsylvania who belong to them as they provide fitness, nutrition, and other forms of personal care. The CDC and our own Department of Health have emphasized the importance of mental and physical health during COVID-19 and gyms and fitness centers play a large part in supporting the health of many people within our communities. For that reason, I am introducing legislation to allow for the reopening of gyms and fitness centers throughout the Commonwealth. This legislation would prioritize safety while allowing gyms and fitness centers to remain open and provide vital services to the thousands of customers they serve throughout Pennsylvania. Individual workouts, personal training, and small group fitness classes can all be implemented while following CDC guidelines. We have allowed retail providers to remain open at 50% and this legislation will put gyms and fitness centers on an equal playing field by preventing the closure or reduction of these facilities below 50% by executive order. Please join me in supporting the physical and mental health of gymgoers and the small business owners who operate them by co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB453