Doylestown Reacts To Shutdown Order For Gyms, Indoor Dining

DOYLESTOWN, PA — With COVID-19 cases surging across Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf and state health officials announced new restrictions Thursday impacting businesses including gyms, restaurants, bars and retail establishments.

Beginning on Saturday and lasting through Jan. 4, indoor gyms are being forced to close and restaurants will no longer be allowed to provide indoor dining, and retail businesses may only operate up to 50 percent capacity.

Franco Federico, who opened his Italian eatery on North Main Street in Doylestown in October, described the news as devastating. Without pandemic assistance from the government, he fears the possibility of closing next year.

"Obviously it's a real fact that people are getting sick," Franco said in a phone interview Friday. "But we must have some support from our government or we're going to be out of business."

The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association condemned the governor's decision, which it similarly described as devastating to the hospitality industry.

"The Governor offers us nothing but lip service by acknowledging the hospitality industry's precarious financial situation when our expertise is repeatedly ignored when drafting mitigation orders," PRLA President John Longstreet said in a statement.

Kimberlee Dilg, general manager of Doylestown Fitness Center and Revolve Fitness in New Britain, said the shutdown order is a tough pill to swallow.

"I was absolutely devastated," Dilg said. "I think keeping gyms up and running keeps people healthy and moving, which benefits their physical and mental health."

Related: Newtown Athletic Club To Remain Open, Despite New State Orders

Dilg says they plan to comply with the shutdown order while continuing to offer outdoor and virtual classes. Franco said he still plans to continue outdoor dining, take-out and curbside pick-up, though it's taking a toll on business.

"I don't know what the next step is. I'm not sure how to react," Franco said. "I'm not sure Americans are going to be able to put up with this. How are we going to survive?"