An Update for Our Members
Our mission at the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA is to put Christian principles into place through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. That mission goes on for the Y as we navigate these unchartered waters. TODAY, we are open for regular business hours. We are constantly getting new information and directives from our local, state, and federal government. We will continue to monitor those directives and comply as necessary.
In uncertain times, we are trying to give you a place of normalcy, a place where you can visit with neighbors and friends. But we also want you and your neighbors and friends to be safe. Help us by following new procedures for wiping down machines and equipment on the Fitness Floor, in our 24/7 Fitness Area, our Lower Level Group Exercise Studio, our Aerobics Studio, and throughout the building. Encourage other members to do the same. Please use your best judgment to assess your personal health situation during this time, and limit your exposure as you feel appropriate if you are at a higher risk for complications due to exposure to the coronavirus.
SPORTS, WELLNESS AND SWIM PROGRAMS
Since our last communication on Thursday, March 5th, we have cancelled some spectator sports programs. Any cancellation of programs will be shared on our Facebook page as well as posted on our website: https://www.ymcabaycity.org/covid-19-updates/.
CHILDCARE
At this time, our Childcare Center will be open the morning of Monday, March 16th as usual, but we continue to be prepared for any new executive orders issued by our state government and will notify parents promptly if anything changes.
HEALTHY OUT OF SCHOOL TIME
As of today, we will be offering Day Camp with limited enrollment to school age children over these next three weeks beginning March 16th while schools are closed. Please contact the member service staff to pre-register and confirm space is available.
FREE YOUTH FOOD PROGRAM
The Y currently offers a free youth food program here at our Y to any Bay County resident who is 18 years of age or younger. We are looking to expand that program to include Breakfast and Lunch during the week beginning Monday, March 16th. Please visit our website for more information or call us at 989-895-8596 to get up-to-date information.
CLEANING
The Y staff continues to clean the building with disinfectant and we are continuing our cleaning focus of frequently touched surfaces: door handles, water faucets, locker door handles, light switches, exercise equipment handles, shared sports equipment, toilet handles, and stairway railings. We have also secured an outside vendor who in the next week will come in to do a deep cleaning of our high-use areas and equipment.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Follow our new machine and equipment cleaning procedures mentioned above.
Hand washing remains the most effective method of preventing the spread of germs, including coronavirus. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Frequent hand washing and use of antibacterial hand sanitizer are encouraged and practiced throughout our programs by staff and children.
Additional everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like coronavirus, include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick until you’ve been free of fever for 24 hours.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
If you or a loved one are experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, please stay home, rest and contact your medical provider.
BUILDING CLOSURE
If the Y is notified that a member, a recent guest or staff have a confirmed case, the Y will close our building for cleaning for at least 48 hours (this would include the 24/7 Fitness Area). At that time, we will be reevaluating our ability to reopen and will follow the directives of the CDC, Health Department, and the local, state, and federal government, as appropriate.
CONCLUSION
Thank you for your continued support of the YMCA in a rapidly changing environment. Our mission remains the same even in days of uncertainty. The Dow Bay Area Family YMCA is committed to leading and serving our community during these challenging times. While we don’t have all the answers today, we are committed to providing regular updates to you all.
Sincerely,
