Covid-19 Operations Update

The health and well-being of West Suburban YMCA members, participants, and staff is our highest priority. During this unprecedented time as COVID-19 spreads in Massachusetts, we are committed to maintaining a healthy environment and supporting the health and wellness of our community. As of today, we remain open to serve you. Our leadership staff are adjusting our practices and making decisions based on the information available. As information changes, so may our practices and decisions. 

WHAT WE ARE DOING 

• The WSYMCA Leadership Team is monitoring COVID-19 developments daily. 
• We are following recommendations from the Newton Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the Department of Early Education and Care. 
• All YMCA employees have been briefed on the situation. Employees have been told to stay home when sick and will be sent home if they come to work sick. All business-related travel to conferences or events has been suspended. 
• Extra hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and vinyl gloves are available throughout the building for all to utilize. 
• All program spaces, equipment, and frequently touched surfaces are wiped down and disinfected as part of our routine cleaning procedures, and we've significantly increased the frequency of that routine throughout the day. In addition, our overnight cleaners have been instructed to deep clean all spaces each night. 
• We are creating space between cardio equipment by blocking off every other machine and we are limiting group exercise class sizes as appropriate.
• No new pool or party rentals until further notice.
• No guest passes will be sold and the YMCA nationwide reciprocity program is suspended.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 
In line with the City of Newton and the advice from the Commonwealth, we are postponing or suspending programming and events involving large gatherings of people. The following Y events and programs have been suspended: 

• YBA is suspended this weekend (3/14 & 3/15). The Y will make the call to hold YBA on a week by week basis. 
• Livestrong at the YMCA and Stronger programs
• Kids’ Corner 
• Family Fun Night 
• Kids Night Out 
• Healthy Kids Day

CHILDCARE PROGRAMS: PRESCHOOL & OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME
Our Preschool and Out-of-School Time programs are closed Friday, March 13, 2020. Please look for updates on our website relative to next week's schedule.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:  

• Stay home when you are exhibiting symptoms such as cough and/or fever and keep your child(ren) home if they are exhibiting the same. Remain home until free of symptoms for 24 hours.  
• Please ensure you wipe down equipment and cardio machines before and after use with the provided disinfectant wipes. 
• Wash your hands several times per day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.  
• Take advantage of the multiple hand sanitizer dispensers located throughout the building.  
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, not your hands, and then throw the tissue in the trash.  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  
• Practice social distancing and limit close contact with others: Avoiding large gatherings; refrain from handshakes, hugs, and kisses; keep a 6 ft. distance between yourself and others  
• As a general precaution, we advise members and participants to prepare for the possibility that our daily programs could be temporarily impacted. 

HIGH RISK POPULATIONS 
Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Higher risk individuals include:

• Older adults, with the risk increasing for those over age 50 and continuing to increase significantly with age. Persons over age 70 and 80 in the highest risk categories. 
• People, regardless of age, who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and severely weakened immune systems.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, we advise that you consider the risk of coming to our facility during this time. 

We continue to closely monitor this developing situation as the response from local and state public health officials progresses. These are fluid and difficult decisions that may change rapidly, so please visit our website regularly and follow our social media pages for updates. For other important updates and FAQs visit Newton Health & Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Jack Fucci
President and CEO
WEST SUBURBAN YMCA