legislators aiming reopen gyms

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina gyms could reopen thanks to legislation advancing in the state Senate that would essentially overturn Gov. Roy Cooper’s COVID-19 executive order keeping them closed.

The measure approved on Thursday by a Senate committee would allow the gyms and health clubs to reopen at 50% capacity. It’s another effort by lawmakers to overturn Cooper’s restrictions that have kept certain types of businesses shuttered during the pandemic.

Legislation already on Cooper’s desk would allow bars to reopen outdoors despite his order.

Cooper has defended keeping bars and gyms closed, saying his decisions were based on data and science.

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