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Appeals Court Says Michigan Gyms, Fitness Centers Must Remain Closed

(CBS DETROIT) - Gyms across southeast Michigan like Jabs Gym in Birmingham were preparing to open their doors Thursday. Due to a late court ruling Wednesday night, the doors for now will, remain locked.

Freshly wiped down and sanitized equipment awaits clients here at Jabs Gym, but the free weights and benchpress will remain empty for now. Owner Willie Fortune says he's disappointed gyms aren't allowed to reopen, but he agrees with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order.

"I share her passion as far as keeping people safe, and at the same time we are a business as well, so I feel like at least a little bit with the whole city opening up we should at least be able to operate for smaller gyms, maybe 25 percent capacity," said Fortune.

Late Wednesday night, Whitmer released a statement that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, ruled in her favor to keep gyms in southern Michigan closed, due to the high Covid-19 risk. This after a federal judge last week attempted to allow for their reopening Thursday.

Fortune says, he had a feeling they wouldn't be allowed to open, but was prepared just in case.

"We've been pretty much preparing ever since they closed everything down," he said.

Fortune says although the inside of the gym must remain closed now, he's preparing his parking lot for some social distancing outdoor workouts.

"Our social distance class that's already outside we build what we like to call mini rings they are miniature rings that keep you in your own section," said Fortune.

Fortune says his outdoor smaller workout classes have been a big success and since there's no set reopening date for gyms, expansion only makes sense.

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