COVID-19 Information for Youth Programs

The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is continually monitoring the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), its effect on our communities and the recommendations of the CDC. As the situation evolves, so too will our response and we will continue to provide updates as needed.

Licensed child care centers and programs located in host facilities (i.e. schools, organizations or agencies) will comply with all host procedures for disease control. Should an individual school, school district or host facility close because of a COVID-19 threat, the YMCA’s before and after school enrichment program in that site(s) will also be closed for the same time period. Should additional time be required to ensure the full sanitization of child care areas of the school, we will communicate this no later than 3 p.m. prior to the day the school is scheduled to reopen.

We cannot stress enough: 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. Additionally, if you, anyone in your household, has taken a cruise or traveled to a country currently deemed as a high-risk for transmission area by the CDC,you are to stay home and wait to visit the YMCA or take part in any YMCA program until after the 14-day quarantine period. This list now includes the majority of Europe.

The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who enters our doors or takes part in our programs. There are growing concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus, and in an effort to keep you and your family healthy and prevent the spread of germs, we are sharing some important information.

YMCA facilities are regularly cleaned and special care is taken by Y staff to meet the quality standards that keep our spaces clean and safe. Licensed child care centers and programs located in host facilities (i.e. schools, organizations or agencies) will comply with all host’s procedures for disease control. Regardless of program site, we are encouraging everyone to do their part in helping prevent the spread of germs and viruses by keeping high-touch areas clean and exercising exceptional personal hygiene habits. 

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 is encouraged and practiced throughout our programs by staff and children. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services/Office of Child Development and Early Learning, the use of sanitizers is supplemental to good hand-washing practices and is used with caution and only with parental approval within child care programs.

If your child falls into either of the groups below, please complete this form if you are comfortable with occasional use of hand sanitizer on your child’s hands.

   - Enrolled at one of our early child development centers – Strawberry Patch, Duquesne University and Sampson Family YMCA

    - Enrolled in Before or After School Enrichment across all sites

Parents are also reminded to leave their children’s toys and non-essential belongings at home to prevent the spread of germs from the outside.

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. Additionally, if you, or anyone in your household, has taken a cruise or traveled to a country currently deemed as a high-risk for transmission area by the CDC, you are to stay home and wait to visit the YMCA or attend a YMCA program until after the 14-day quarantine period.  

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. Coughing or sneezing into your elbow when holding small children is not encouraged.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

While no one can predict with certainty whether the United States will be severely impacted by coronavirus, we are monitoring the situation and preparing for the possibility that our daily program and work routines could be temporarily impacted if the situation significantly worsens. We will keep all members and participants updated with information as it develops.