In case you missed it, The Washington Times published an op-ed by gym owner Travis Hanson that calls on Congress to provide targeted relief to gyms. An excerpt can be found below:
“Our members of Congress must prioritize local gyms and fitness facilities in the next round of stimulus proposals because gyms provide essential services to millions of people and help keep Americans healthy. It has never been more important to maintain a strong immune system, and community gyms play a critical role in ensuring just that. It is imperative that our leaders in Washington recognize the significant need for direct, industry-specific relief for local gyms.”
According to Yelp, gyms and fitness facilities face higher closure rates than other hard-hit industries like restaurants and bars, and a recent survey found that nearly 40% of gym owners do not believe that they will survive without relief.
Future COVID-19 relief bills must prioritize community gyms
By: Travis Hanson
The Washington Times
January 19, 2021
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jan/19/future-covid-19-relief-bills-must-prioritize-commu/
At the start of a new year, millions of Americans make resolutions to prioritize their health and fitness. But for many, that will be more difficult as their neighborhood gyms have struggled to stay in business throughout the pandemic.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Americans across the country, our representatives in Washington must find solutions that will help keep the economy moving and assist small businesses that have been struggling for months, like community gyms.
When stay-at-home orders were first issued and government officials started to shut down businesses, gyms were among the first to close in nearly every state. What’s worse is that today, several months later, many gyms in states like Pennsylvania, Arizona and Washington remain closed despite existing measures to increase safe operations.
Read the full op-ed here.
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