Gym stays open despite Rhode Island pause

LINCOLN, R.I. (WLNE) – Despite being ordered to close, both The Maxx Fitness Clubzz in Rhode Island remain open on Wednesday.

The owner of the locations in Lincoln and Warren told ABC 6 News that he was fined $1,000—$500 per location—by the state for defying Gov. Raimondo’s two week pause.

Gov. Raimondo instituted the pause—temporarily closing gyms, group fitness, recreational venues, organized sports, and indoor sport facilities—amid rising COVID numbers.

The pause is from Nov. 30 through Dec. 13.

The owner of The Maxx Fitness Clubzz, Matthew D’Amico, says he shut down his gyms for several months, when the pandemic first hit in March, and it was devastating to his business that employs about 60 people.

“We opened back up with the proper protocols in place; cleaning, sanitizing, temperature checks, health screenings,” D’Amico said.

D’Amico told ABC 6 News that another shut down would mean closing his business for good.

“We would not survive. Period. We would not be able to overcome it,” D’Amico said.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020