South Jersey gym owner defiantly opening on Monday

Ian Smith, co-owner of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr (Camden Count) plans to open his business to his members this coming Monday. Gov. Phil Murphy's new directives indicate non-essential businesses can open Monday with "curb-side" service, but that does not include gyms or hair and nail salons. Smith, in an interview with Fox News' Tucker Carlson, said he is opening his business responsibly this coming Monday anyway.

He's reconfigured his gym to allow at least 6 feet between workout stations and machines. He will be taking patrons' temperatures and providing clean, disinfected workout areas. Smith says Murphy's order applies to businesses not being open to "the public," but all of his customers are private "members" of his gym. He said he takes the coronavirus outbreak seriously and also claimed his small business can do a better job of keeping his patrons safer than large retailers like Walmart or Target.

He makes a good point and hopefully starting Monday he can make enough money to pay the rent and stay alive.

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The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy. Any opinions expressed are Dennis' own.