Washington Fines Gym For Ignoring Safe Start Orders

YAKIMA COUNTY, WA — A fitness center near Yakima faces a hefty fine after reopening this month in violation of Gov. Jay Inslee's Safe Start order, according to state officials.

Yakima County remains a hotbed for new coronavirus cases in Washington, with a rate of 617.3 illnesses per 100,000 residents recorded over the last two weeks. The state's benchmark is 25 cases. Nearly 7,100 county residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the crisis began, and 158 people have died.

According to the Department of Labor & Industries, an Anytime Fitness in Selah — owned by Bradshaw Development Inc. — opened its doors on June 15, despite the county remaining in the first of four reopening phases. Under the governor's plan, gyms are not permitted to reopen until the third phase.

Wednesday's $9,639 fine is the first imposed by L&I since the state agency announced it would actively enforce coronavirus-related workplace regulations in late May.

According to state officials, L&I visited the gym after receiving more than one dozen complaints from the public and a referral from the Yakima Health District. Investigators said they personally observed several employees working and customers inside the facility.

L&I Director Joel Sacks said gym owners were "clearly aware" of the governor's order and notified by phone calls, emails, letters and on-site visits before the citation was issued.

"They chose to stay open after multiple contacts with L&I," Sacks said. "It's just not fair to businesses that are following the rules when others don't."

As of June 26, L&I staff have contacted more than 400 businesses over complaints filed over potential Safe Start violations.