HERMITAGE, Pa. (NBC News Channel) — A Pennsylvania gym owner is risking jail time in an effort to keep his small business alive.

Joe Joseph, the owner of Prep Training and Fitness System, was cited by the Hermitage Police on May 8.

Officers showed up with the district attorney and issued citations for violating administrative code and in violation of the disease prevent and control law.

Those violations could cost up to $400.

Joseph was given a choice: Close down and no citation or the citations would be issued if he chose to stay open.

But he says he had no choice but keep the gym open.

“This is the only source of income that I have because of that, and I have no other choice but to re-open the gym back up," said Joseph.

Joseph says he's practicing safety guidelines, even offering his clients gloves and masks.

Restrictions in the area are expected to ease on May 15.

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