As of March 19 all non-essential businesses, including gyms, were ordered to close in Los Angeles in an effort to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
And amid strict social distancing guidelines and instructions for LA residents to stay home, it was curious to see Mark Wahlberg and Mario Lopez leaving a gym session in Sherman Oaks on Thursday.
The duo were seen strolling out of F45 Training after filming a grueling workout for an Instagram livestream event.
Essential business? Actor Mark Wahlberg and host Mario Lopez were pictured leaving the F45 gym in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles on Thursday
Shortly after the gym session, the stars posted photos and videos to social media promoting the live workout, and fans were quick to point out the dangerous risk they were taking by flouting the stay at home order.
The Safer at Home order in Los Angeles requires that residents stay in their homes – unless it’s ‘absolutely essential’ for them to leave – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, the actor, TV host and numerous other unidentified people, headed to the gym (which Wahlberg owns), after it was re-opened on Thursday especially for the live event.
Looking sweaty after his workout, Lopez, 46, shared a clip to his Instagram featuring Wahlberg, 48, in the background, as he assured viewers they were staying six feet apart and that the equipment had been sanitized.
Workout: Mario insisted that the duo were following social distancing requirements and revealed the gym was opened especially for them
‘Everyone’s pretty much been cooped up at home the last few weeks, so now more than ever, since we don’t know when this is going to end, we need to stay active, not just for physical health but for your mental health,’ Lopez said in the clip.
He added, ‘we’re staying 6 feet away. This place we’re at right now, we have it completely to ourselves, it’s sanitized, disinfected.
‘We did a heck of a workout, F45 style. You can do this in your apartment, no equipment needed.’ Mario said.
Instagram users asked the duo why they were hanging out together amid the strict statewide requirements.
‘That is not quarantine’: Some fans were quick to point out that the duo were breaking some serious rules in LA after the Safer At Home order was enacted to protect people from COVID-19
He added, ‘We’re staying 6 feet away. This place we’re at right now, we have it completely to ourselves, it’s sanitized, disinfected,
‘You can do this in your apartment, no equipment needed.’ Mario and Mark did the workout which was livestreamed on the F45 Training Instagram page on Thursday
‘Why are you two in the same room? ‘ one person asked in response to the actor’s social media posts, as another echoed the same sentiment, ‘You guys shouldn’t even be in the same gym. should be home with people in your own household only’.
Another comment read: ‘You guys shouldn’t be in the same gym. That is not quarantine. Even if 6 feet that is not essential like groceries – plus you are sweating everywhere.’
Dailymail.com has contacted reps for Mark and Mario for comment.
Later in the day, Mark attempted a spot of damage control, while neatly promoting another family business. This time it was the Wahlberg burger chain, Wahlburgers, which he mentioned while asking fans to do their bit to help care givers battling coronavirus.
Saying his business would be sending food to medical staff at a Detroit hospital, he asked fans to also try and help.
‘Guys, lets try to help out by donating any emergency supplies to your local hospitals/doctors who are all in a battle with this virus,’ said Mark.
Like a second home: Wahlberg is a part owner of F45 Training, so it’s no surprise the gym opened for his special workout event
Meanwhile, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti pressed further on how seriously the order should be taken, as he said this week: ‘We’re all safer at home, and that’s not a suggestion – it is the law,
‘Refusing to follow it isn’t brave or funny – it’s stupid and could wind up killing you or someone else. Angelenos are doing an extraordinary job of staying in their homes, and we won’t tolerate the selfish behavior of a few who unnecessarily put our community at risk.’
‘The Safer at Home order requires Angelenos to remain in their homes except for the most essential activities — including critical tasks such as securing food and health, safety and medical necessities, as well as caring for children, elder adults, family, friends and people with disabilities. Failure to heed the order is a misdemeanor that can result in fines or jail time.’
Unacceptable: The mayor of Los Angeles tweeted several warnings this week about non-essential businesses opening during the pandemic shut downs