BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Several residents were seen exercising in close proximity to each other inside a Bakersfield gym that has kept its doors open amid a COVID-19 pandemic.

All fitness facilities open to the public are considered a non-essential business, according to state guidelines.

Kern County Public Health Services say they have communicated with all non-essential businesses, ordering them to immediately close.

While the majority of non-essential businesses have closed, according to officials, some, like the Health & Strength Gym off 21st Street, continue to remain open.

Management at the gym declined to comment about their operations and have shown no signs of closing.

But, according to health officials, that may soon change.

On Tuesday, the approval of Public Health's proclamation of a local health emergency, gave health officer Matt Constantine more authority to address non-essential businesses.

"With the declaration of the local health emergency, we are exploring options to more strongly address those businesses who are not complying with the Governor’s Executive Orders," Public Health spokeswoman Michelle Corson said in a statement.

"We hope that businesses will comply, but will work with law enforcement if needed in the future to ensure that our community is protected," Corson added.