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Crunch Fitness in Las Cruces served with citation for violating public health order

Las Cruces Sun-News - 11/23/2020

LAS CRUCES - Crunch Fitness was served with a notice Saturday of the state’s intent to fine them $5,000 for remaining open despite the COVID-19 public health order requiring gyms and other non-essential businesses to halt in-person services.

The health order went into effect Nov. 16 and describes gyms as a close-contact business, similar to salons, barbershops, spas and tattoo shops. The state requires these businesses to close to the public and reduce their staff by 100% through Nov. 30 to help halt the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state.

However, the gym, located near El Paseo Road and Wyatt Drive, was still operating Monday, Nov. 23, with customers going about their exercising as usual. A sign on the door notified those entering that the occupancy limit is 75 people and masks are required.

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Customers inside were spaced out while using the machines and were wearing masks -- a few incorrectly wearing their masks below their noses.

A citation was served on the gym Nov. 21 from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety detailing the state’s intention to fine the gym for failing to comply with the health order. The citation explained that the fine was for violations on Nov. 20, and that the fine could increase if additional violations by the gym were demonstrated.

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The citation also notes that the gym has received a cease and desist and a notice of closure. Crunch Fitness has the option of contesting the proposed $5,000 fine. It is not clear at this time if the company will take that action.

Managers in Las Cruces declined to respond to questions about the citation and public health order Monday. Keith Smith, district manager, said he did not feel comfortable commenting on the situation at this time.

Read the citation:

Leah Romero is a fellow with the New Mexico Local News Fund and can be reached at lromero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Crunch Fitness in Las Cruces served with citation for violating public health order

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