Palm Desert health club reopens despite state and county public health orders

CORRECTION: Contrary to what the report indicates below, the State of California is currently in "Stage 2" of the "Resilience Roadmap Stages". A document sent from the California Department of Public Health Tuesday to News Channel 3 indicated the state is in "Stage 1".

INITIAL REPORT:

Eric Weaver, the owner of Get Fit Training Systems in Palm Desert worked out with his fiancee Tuesday morning, one day after reopening the business.  

Earlier in the morning we saw at least 4 other members exercising inside the 24-hour-facility who did not want to appear on camera. 

“I think people need to work out.  People are going crazy setting at home.  Working out helps build the immune system,” said Weaver. 

Deciding to open the gym, Weaver says is based on his belief that the coronavirus is not as serious of a threat to himself and his gym members as he’s being told.

He also wants members to be able to exercise in a place he says is “safe and clean” and “cleaned weekly”.

Weaver also says the place is stocked with hand sanitizers, cans of Lysol, and wipes.

“We’re just quarantined forever it seems like.  Nobody can get out obviously.  I have a super clean gym.  I always have,” said Weaver. 

Weaver says he closed the gym March 24th and reopened Monday.   

Since the pandemic began he says his membership has grown from 23 to 70 members.

Governor Newsom, on March 16th ordered all gyms and health clubs in the state to close in an effort aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus.

A document from the state public health department outlines the state’s so-called “Resilience Roadmap Stages”, which is a plan for reopening businesses.  

Currently, we are in “Stage 1”.

It’s not until “Stage 3, Higher Risk Work Places” that “personal care” businesses, including gyms will be authorized to reopen.

“If you belong to a gym and you’re not comfortable going outside yet, then don’t.  Go out when you are ready,” said Weaver.     

An official with the California Department of Public Health would not comment specifically on the gym reopening, but provided the following written statement:

“During his news conferences, Governor Newsom stresses that decisions pertaining to the reopening of the state are based on data and the flattening of the curve; the health of California is of the utmost importance.  The State of California continues to move forward with re-opening, and as the state progresses through the various stages, more information will be provided as to when people can participate in various activities.”

Riverside County Public Information Officer Brooke Federico did not respond to News Channel 3’s written request for comment. 

David Hermann, the Public Information Officer for the City of Palm Desert provided this written statement:

“The City of Palm Desert recently received a complaint about Get Fit Gym being open in violation of the State of California’s public health order. Our staff quickly confirmed that the gym was operating and attempted to speak with the owner to ensure that he was aware of the State order. Education typically results in compliance. In this case, the owner was unwilling to talk to our staff and we subsequently contacted the State to report the violation of its order.”