March 14, 2020
Dear YMCA Community,
We deeply appreciate your understanding as we navigate the challenging and unprecedented circumstances related to COVID-19. This is a difficult time for our community and we recognize that long-term school closures and workplace adjustments have a ripple effect into all areas of our lives.
At the Y, everything we do is guided by our mission of strengthening communities, and we have an obligation to help limit the spread of Coronavirus. Please know every decision we make is with the guidance of the Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC has recommended social distancing and avoiding large groups as an important line of defense in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We invite you to carefully consider your social interactions – especially for older adults and those who are medically at-risk – by limiting participation in group activities, including visits to the YMCA.
We also know the YMCA is a daily part of many of your lives, and that we provide many essential services to communities well beyond the gyms and pools many associate with their membership. With the necessary precautions and collective vigilance, our intent is to continue to provide important services to our communities. We appreciate your need to protect yourself and our communities, and we trust you to use your best judgment.
We are implementing proactive measures at all Y facilities to limit exposure and maintain a safe environment.
At this time, all Y membership facilities remain open, though programs and services will be limited as follows beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. All changes will remain in effect until additional measures need to be taken or March 29, 2020, at which point we will reevaluate.
Adjusted Hours
In an effort to ease some burden on our own staff as they navigate our new reality, we will condense hours across the Association. Beginning Monday, March 16, all branches will close at 8 p.m. on weekdays, 3 p.m. on Saturdays and will be closed on Sundays. Branches will open at their normal respective times.
Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) Programs
In adherence with the closings of local school districts, before and after school programs will be closed for the same duration of time as the school or district in which they reside. During this time, BASE families will not be charged.
Early Childhood Development Centers
The three full-time YMCA child development centers, located at Duquesne University, Sampson Family YMCA and Strawberry Patch will remain open. This includes Y-Tots at the Sampson Family YMCA. This is subject to change pending any local restrictions or closure of the host site.
Youth Programs
All youth programs will be suspended through March 29, 2020. At that time, we will reassess the current environment to determine next steps. This includes, but is not limited to, all youth sports (i.e. soccer, basketball, etc.), Guides and Princesses, kids teaching kitchen classes, Y Achievers, Y Creator Space, Lighthouse Project and Parents’ Night Out activities.
If in the coming weeks it is determined the remainder of the program session or sports season needs to be cancelled, we assure you we will work with families to provide credits for paid programs.
Swim Lessons
Youth swim lessons are suspended effective immediately through March 29, 2020. At that time, we will reassess the current environment to determine next steps.
Child Watch
All branch play centers will be closed until at least March 29, 2020.
Group Exercise Classes
Group Exercise classes will be suspended until at least March 29, 2020. This includes small group exercise, CrossFit and off-site classes.
Group Events
All large group gatherings or activities of 250 or more will be canceled or postponed through March 29, 2020 to promote social distancing.
Adult Programs
At this time, adult programs will proceed as scheduled. Use your best judgment regarding social distancing when deciding if you will attend normally scheduled appointments and/or activities (i.e. personal training).
Some equipment that may increase the likelihood of spreading germs will not be available for use, such as basketballs, pickleball equipment, resistance bands, etc. We also remind all members to join Y staff in wiping down all equipment after use.
We ask that all members and staff continue to follow the guidelines set forth by federal, state and local agencies related to this virus. If you are at a higher risk (age, compromised health, etc.) for serious illness from COVID-19, it is important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure. For information related to appropriate precautions, please click here.
As the environment continues to evolve, services and operations may need to be further adjusted. In the coming days, we will be working hard to provide you with additional resources to support your opportunity to remain active. Please be sure to follow us on social media (@ymcapgh), our Y app (Apple Store or Google Play) and watch your inbox for further details.
Thank you for helping our communities stay safe and healthy. Together we will get through this crisis.