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Gym owner frustrated as state guidelines keep salons, other businesses from reopening during phase one

One home decor store owner says she's not ready just yet to reopen, even though the state guidelines allow retail locations to open doors this Friday

VIDOR, Texas — Some business owners are frustrated, and believe the state's restrictions to keep some businesses closed during phase one of reopening are too strict. 

Angie Brown owns a gym called B Fit in Vidor. She says the guidelines keeping her doors closed aren't fair as restaurants, malls and movie theaters have been given the green light to reopen on May 1. 

"You know what, enough is enough," Brown said. 

She's facing a harsh reality that many in the state are dealing with. Her empty gym will have to stay that way. 

"My main frustration is that those of us who cannot open; gyms, salons, massage therapy are being discriminated against," Brown said. 

It's her passion, and she says it's been taken away from her and her clients. 

"We need to be back together and we can do the same things that grocery stores and movie theaters and libraries do. We can be under the same guidelines," Brown said. 

Meanwhile, one retail store owner won't be opening right away until she feels it's safe to reopen her doors. 

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Jill Provost owns Chatzkie's home decor on Boston Avenue. 

Technically the governor's order allows her to reopen on Friday, but she's chosen to wait until she feels more comfortable.  

"We were all worried about the pandemic last week and I just don't believe that things can change in one day," Provost said. 

She says she's been offering porch pick-ups and deliveries, a service she plans to continue. 

"I'm just a little leery. I don't know a whole lot about COVID-19," Provost said. "I would just rather be safe than sorry."

As for Brown, she's hoping the governor hears her please. 

"We need to be able to open back up and resume business. It is your right as an adult that if you don't feel safe to go somewhere don't go. Stay home. But those of us who do want to go out and be back exercising and doing our hair and nails, let us do it," Brown said. 

Gov. Greg Abbott is stressing that if COVID-19 doesn't flare up with phase one of businesses reopening, it'll put Texas in a better position to move on to phase two in mid-May. 

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