Oceanside gym reopens in defiance of closure order

OCEANSIDE (AP) — A Southern California gym was open Thursday despite its owner's arrest last weekend for violating orders that prohibit such businesses from operating under orders to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Lou Uridel reopened his Metroflex Gym in Oceanside to members Wednesday after a rally that drew supporters.

Uridel was handcuffed and arrested Sunday for reopening his business, said Bonnie Stauffer, spokeswoman for the Oceanside Police Department. He was later released.

Stauffer said police were working with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to see what their options are.

"We're doing our best, and he will be cited every day that he has got the gym open, and he will be fined every day," Stauffer said. "I don't know what other enforcement can be done at this point."

She did not know the amount of the fine.

"If we don't open, we won't survive," Uridel said during the rally.

He said the gym was enforcing social distancing and sanitizing equipment.