The New Jersey Department of Health has ordered the gym that was operating in defiance of the governor’s stay-at-home order to shut down.
Atilis Gym, in the South Jersey township of Bellmawr, said it will not reopen on Thursday after the Camden County Division of Environmental Health posted several notices on the establishment last night telling owners not to reopen. The owners had previously said they would remain open for the rest of the week but are now consulting with their lawyers on what options they have moving forward.
NJ Health Dept ordered Atilis Gym SHUTDOWN. Taped to front window over gum name by front doors, 4 page order signed by NJ Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. Also 6 orange Camden County ‘Notice of Embargo’ stickers from Camden County Enviornmental Health dept @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/ljjYNqhFq9
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) May 21, 2020
Local police told co-owners Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti that they were in violation of the state order Monday but soon left the premises, telling those gathered outside to “have a good day.” Officers came back later, however, and issued Smith and Trumbetti disorderly conduct summonses.
“We truly believe that if we don’t do this, in the end, we will have zero rights and no say in what happens,” said Trumbetti about the initial decision to reopen. “The government has failed at protecting our rights and failed at protecting our health. We are proposing an organized, peaceful reopening of the state, not just our business.”
Gov. Phil Murphy and other state leaders had previously pushed back on the gym reopening.
“Their actions threaten not only public safety, but also the safety of our police officers who are being called upon to disperse gatherings both inside and outside the gym,” New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said.
