Whitmer on Gyms & Theaters: 'I'm Not Going to be Bullied'

Gyms, bowling alleys, and movie theaters will remain closed in Michigan, according to Governor Gretchen Whitmer who plans to remain firm on the issue.

Whitmer noted that she plans to continue to follow science and advice from medical professionals when it comes to re-engaging more segments of the economy.

"I'm not going to be bullied into making that decision, I'm going to follow the science, I'm going to work with Dr. Khaldun, but we are looking very closely at those businesses that have been closed for the duration," the governor said. "But there's no decision that I'm announcing today, it is something we are continuing to scrutinize."

Whitmer addressed keeping those businesses closed during the question and answer period of her press conference on Tuesday (8/25).

The governor acknowledged that business owners have been putting pressure on leaders and health officials to re-engage these segments of the economy, but cited recent data that shows that Michigan's economy is now at 87% of what it was in early March when the coronavirus pandemic began.

"Yesterday CNN Business published a ranking of states' economies that are getting back on track and Michigan ranked number 7 in the nation."

She noted that Michigan currently ranks 40th in the nation for states reporting seven-day averages for new coronavirus cases per capita and 40th in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19.

Two Anytime Fitness Locations in Grand Blanc were ordered closed last week after violating Executive Orders that they remain closed in order to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.