Authorities in Oxford, Massachusetts, ordered that the locks be changed at a gym that has refused to stay closed during the coronavirus pandemic. David Blondin, the owner of Prime Fitness Gym, reopened on May 18, even though gyms were not permitted to open during Phase 1 of the state's reopening plan.
Blondin has incurred thousands of dollars in fines for his refusal to stay closed. Earlier in the week, officials cut off water and electricity to the gym, but that didn't deter Blondin or members of his gym. They continued to work out in the dark.
"My members are free willingly walking in the door and working out. So technically, if the business is closed due to no electricity, then they're not really working out in a facility anymore, they're working out in a vacant building," Blondin said. "As a resident of Oxford, a business owner, a taxpayer, someone that promotes health and fitness and the fact that they're treating me like this is very disrespectful."
After cutting off the utilities did not work, city officials ordered the building's owner, who is not Blondin, to change the locks.
Blondin has vowed to keep fighting and has urged other businesses to defy the government's orders to remain closed.
"It's time to get back to business and all that," Blondin said. "I truly believe all small business owners, no matter what industry – not just the fitness industry – needs to do the same thing right now. We cannot pay our bills."
Photo: Google Maps