MOORESTOWN, NJ — The Virtua Fitness Center in Moorestown has closed permanently amid the coronavirus pandemic, a Virtua Health spokesperson confirmed on Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the permanent closure of the Virtua Fitness Center-Moorestown,” the center said in a post on its website. “We thank our many members for their commitment to their health and their patronage.”
“Virtua Health has made the decision to permanently close the Virtua Fitness Center — Moorestown, within the Virtua Health & Wellness Center on Young Avenue,” Virtua Spokesperson Daniel Moise said. “All medical practices within the Health & Wellness Center — including outpatient physical therapy, oncology support, and cardiac rehabilitation — will continue business as usual.”
New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don’t miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.
The Virtua Fitness Center is managed by Power Wellness. It laid off 120 employees, who were all employed by Power Wellness, as of Wednesday, according to a WARN Notice on the New Jersey Department of Labor’s website.
“Several factors contributed to this difficult but necessary decision, including operational costs, the hardship of the statewide shutdown, and shifting fitness preferences among the public due, in part, to COVID-19,” Moise said. “Virtua extends heartfelt appreciation to the fitness center employees and members for their loyalty and dedication through the years.”
The closure follows an announcement earlier this week that gyms would be permitted to reopen in New Jersey as of Sept. 1. Murphy said gyms will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity, and customers have to wear masks, beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Read more here: Gov. Murphy: NJ Gyms To Reopen In Coronavirus Crisis: Here’s When
The Virtua William G. Rohrer Fitness Center in Voorhees will reopen, and Moorestown members will be able to use the Voorhees facility, Moise said.
See more stories about New Jersey’s coronavirus recovery.
This article originally appeared on the Moorestown Patch