Some area fitness centers are shutting their doors temporarily in response to the new coronavirus.
First Coast YMCA President and CEO Eric Mann announced March 16 that Northeast Florida’s 18 YMCA locations are closing for at least two weeks.
Also, a spokesperson for LA Fitness confirmed the fitness chain will close its four Jacksonville-area gyms through April 1.
Jade Santiago, spokesperson for the LA Fitness at 11903 Atlantic Blvd., said the Jacksonville locations will close at 5 p.m. March 16.
“It’s definitely been a bummer because this is everyone’s therapy,” she said. “But it’s about doing what’s right for the business and, of course, our customers safety.”
Mann posted a letter to the organization’s website. As of 5 p.m. March 16, the organization’s locations will close in response to local and federal government guidance to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry issued a directive March 16 to limit capacity of all nonessential retail and social gathering places in Duval County to no more than 50 people.
The order included gyms, as well as churches, restaurants, bars and the individual stores at area shopping malls.
Mann said the First Coast YMCA will offer health and wellness resources virtually to members. This includes classes of the YMCA 360: Your Virtual YMCA YouTube channel.
“The safety and well-being of our staff, members, volunteers and guests is always the Y’s top priority. It is our social responsibility to do our part in the face of this unprecedented health emergency,” Mann said in a news release.
“This is a precautionary measure and we remain committed to keeping the First Coast strong during these uncertain times. Our team will review our decision in two weeks to determine if we should reopen.”
Mann asked YMCA members to continue to pay membership dues during the closure so the organization can “use this revenue to continue to provide necessary services for children, families and adults across the First Coast.”