Updated Policies in Effect May 29th

Following new guidance from the CDC and the state of Massachusetts, we are excited to inform you of updates to our policies and procedures. These updates will go into effect Saturday, May 29, 2021 – consistent with the date established by Governor Baker.

Face Mask Policy

The West Suburban YMCA is following the new CDC and Massachusetts’ guidelines and recommendations regarding face masks. This means:

• If you are fully vaccinated* against COVID-19, a face mask is no longer required at the Y, and it is your choice whether to wear one or not. 

• If you are not fully vaccinated* against COVID-19, a face mask is advised at all times when inside the Y. If you or your child are not vaccinated, please wear a mask and practice 6 feet of physical distance per CDC guidelines and out of care and respect for those around you. The YMCA will not require proof of vaccination.

• All participants and WSYMCA staff in our licensed child care programs (preschool, Out-of-School Time, and Kids Corner) are required to wear face masks while indoors during the program, per Massachusetts state guidelines.

• All children ages 5-11 are required to wear a face mask at all times while inside the building (with the exception of the pool).

• West Suburban YMCA staff are not required to wear a face mask if fully vaccinated and it is their choice whether to wear one or not. This does not apply to WSY child care staff, who are still required to wear a face mask indoors under Massachusetts guidelines.

*Individuals are considered "fully vaccinated" two weeks after receiving a second shot of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Changes to Reservation System

In response to the pandemic and the need to monitor capacity limits in 2020, we implemented a reservation system. Beginning May 29, 2021, many offerings will no longer require reservations. See below for more details.

Pool

• Reservations have been removed for all pool lanes. We ask that you do your best to be courteous and respect the space of other swimmers when sharing a lane.

• Reservations are still required to attend the Swimnastics exercise class.

• Reservations are still required for Family Swim times.

Gymnasium/Hoops

• No reservations are necessary. Please continue to bring your own basketball.

Fitness & Group Exercise

• Outdoor classes: No reservations.

• Indoor classes: Reservations still required.

• Squash/Racquetball Court: Reservations still required.

• Virtual Classes: Pre-registration & current Y membership is required.

Equipment, Layout, and Other Amenities

• Equipment continues to be spaced at a comfortable distance and plexiglass dividers remain in place.

• Steam room and sauna are now open; please note that masks should not be worn in these areas and we recommend that you maintain appropriate social distancing.

• The whirlpool is not yet available (awaiting permit).

• Water fountains remain bottle-fill only.

Nationwide Membership

The nationwide reciprocity program at YMCAs in Massachusetts has been paused until further notice. We look forward to this member benefit returning and will notify you when that occurs.

Our policies have been made with consideration of ALL the populations we serve. We ask that all members demonstrate the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility towards each other and our dedicated staff team.