The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is implementing the following safety measures in an effort to reduce the health risks for staff, members, and other visitors to our facility. Please click on the + signs below to toggle between what the Y is doing to help maintain safety and what the Y is asking members to do to help maintain safety.
Implementing Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
YMCA staff are ensuring that all work cleaning and disinfecting is performed at the highest level using cleaning products, technology and protocols as recommended by the CDC.
Regular Temperature Checks
Members will receive temperature checks and screening before being allowed to check-in. Staff will likewise receive temperature checks and screening before being allowed to start their work shift.
PPE for All Staff
All staff will be required to wear masks and other personal protective equipment.
Shift Management
YMCA trained staff will provide oversight so that members and staff are practicing social distancing, good hygiene and wearing masks as required.
Self-Scan
Members will be asked to self-scan membership identification cards (or key tags) to allow for touch-less entry.
Maintain Safe Capacities
Capacity limits have been set in accordance with current state guidelines for participation in Y services. To stay within capacity and support member enjoyment of their home branch, members are not permitted to bring guests at this time. The YMCA is asking all members to visit only one YMCA branch location at this time (preferably, the branch joined). Local area branch access is limited to your home YMCA branch. At this time, Nationwide access is not currently available for members that wish to visit a YMCA of Metropolitan Washington branch from Y’s across the nation.
Designed for Social Distance
For each phase of reopening all service areas at the Y have been evaluated and redesigned where necessary to help ensure social distancing between members. Signage will be placed across the property and throughout the facility to drive awareness of this requirement, and some amenities where social distancing would be difficult have been closed.
Additional Staff Training
YMCA staff members have been trained in safety protocols and will continually monitor each area to ensure that safety measures are being properly followed by staff and members. We will continue to survey members for feedback on facility operations to support continued staff training.
Stay Home if You’re Sick
Members should stay home if they don’t feel well.
Be Ready for Temperature Checks
All members will have their temperature taken prior to check in. We will also ask you health screening questions when you enter the center.
Keep Your Children at Home
Due to the requirements of social distancing and space limitations, we ask that you do not bring your children to the Y in phase one or phase two. We look forward to welcoming your children in future phases.
Bring a Mask, Water Bottle, Towel and What You Need to Workout
Wearing a mask in common areas on Y property is required at all times, including while exercising indoors. Wearing a mask while exercising outdoors when social distancing is maintained is not required, but recommended. Wearing a mask is not required when exercising in the swimming pool. Please bring your own filled water bottle as water fountains are closed. Please bring a towel as towel services will not be provided at this time. If swimming or participating in group exercise classes, please bring any equipment you need (i.e. goggles, yoga mat, hand weights, etc.) for your activity.
Wash Your Hands When Entering & Before Leaving
Members are asked to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after checking in and before checking out.
Support Social Distancing
Please exercise on designated equipment only and respect all signage regarding social distancing. Maintain at least ten feet between yourself and others whenever possible. Understanding that as the locker rooms can only be used as restrooms and for hand washing, plan your visit accordingly (no showers or changing is available in the locker rooms at this time).
Expect Reduced Capacity
To ensure proper social distancing, our wellness areas will have a limited capacity. The Y will post updates on the operational capacity of our wellness centers each hour. We strongly encourage members to reserve their time at the Y to support participating in group exercise classes and lap swimming. To support member enjoyment of their home branch, please do not bring guests at this time. We look forward to welcoming your guest in future phases. Please only visit your home YMCA branch at this time to help maximize each member’s ability to visit their home Y.
Remember to Wipe Down Equipment
Please help us reduce the risk of exposure by wiping down all equipment, mats, etc. before and after use with the provided cleaning materials. When you have finished using free weights, please follow the instructions on the signs posted to support your placement of the used equipment where staff will clean and sanitize them before returning them for member use.
