SAN FRANCISCO—A decision to open city-owned gyms in San Francisco led to private gym-owners to call out city leaders. Privately owned gyms across the country have remained closed since shelter-in-place orders went into effect in March because of COVID-19. City officials from San Francisco recently opened city-owned gyms and are allowing city employees to use them, but still prohibit private gyms from opening to the public, NBC Bay Area first reported.
Gyms opened for government employees include those intended for police officers, judges, lawyers, bailiffs, etc. The Hall of Justice Gym has allegedly been open since July 1.
“Even though they’re getting exposed, there are no repercussions, no ramifications? It’s shocking,” Daniel Rabkin, owner of Crossfit Golden State, told NBC Bay Area.
On September 3, the Department of Public Health released a statement addressing the SFPD’s use of indoor gyms, stating that it “does not support the Police Department’s use of indoor gyms,” but that they cannot control the decision because that is up to the San Francisco health department to decide.
A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department said in statement on September 4 that it is essential for the police department’s gyms to remain open because “the Department requires sworn members perform and pass a physical fitness exam every six months (twice annually). Such requirements and periodic testing, allow the SFPD private gym facilities at all locations throughout the city of San Francisco and they continue to operate in consultation with out Health partners.”
Privately owned gym and fitness centers will be allowed to reopen starting September 9. Indoor sessions are planned to be open by the end of the month, but only for one-on-one personal sessions.
