An attorney representing about 1,500 gyms in New York is pushing for a court order to allow the fitness facilities to reopen.
The facilities were shut down as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has still not announced when they can reopen, according to SILive. The gyms filed suit against Cuomo and the state in early July, Newsday reported. The gyms seek to reopen and are suing for $500 million in lost revenue.
"All these gyms want the same thing," said James Mermigis, an attorney representing the gyms. "They want to be able to open up in the same way other businesses have been opening up. They want to be able to open up their businesses to prove they can open up safely, just like all these other businesses — like Walmart, Target, etc.
"I filed an injunction to get the gyms to open immediately, for which the state has until (Thursday) to respond. ... I'm hoping to have the executive order lifted in order to have the gyms open up, obviously with reasonable precautions for COVID-19, just like any other business."
He added, "Many of these business owners still have several months' rent to pay, as well as other expenses, like insurance and lost profit and lost revenue. So I'm going to be seeking damages for just compensation for all the months each gym was forced to be shuttered."
Cuomo spokesman Jason Conwall said: "The actions taken by the governor with respect to gyms and fitness centers are wholly consistent with the powers granted to the executive by the legislature."
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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