Dear YMCA Families,

Much is still being learned about this new virus, and health officials deem the risk of local transmission in our community, and the general public, to be very low at this time. As always, we are monitoring information to maintain the health and safety of our members, participants and staff.

The CDC has shared general recommendations for the public. Here are several helpful links to information about the coronavirus from local, state, national, and international health organizations:

State of NJ Department of Health:  COVID-2019

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Home

Home World Health Organization: Coronavirus

We will continue to work with our local health officials and monitor this situation, providing you with updates should it become necessary.

As you are aware, especially during our winter months, more common illnesses like the flu and other respiratory illnesses are circulating, and health officials recommend that everyone follow basic prevention guidelines, including:

  • Everyone who is six months and older is encouraged to get a flu shot.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick. Keeping a sick child at home prevents the spread of illness in the school community and allows the child the opportunity to rest and recover. Please refer to our Student-Parent Handbook for our guidelines on health attendance.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

HOW THE Y PREVENTS THE SPREAD OF VIRUSES

  • Schedules frequent cleaning of door handles, fitness equipment, lockers, tables/countertops, phones and other common “high-touch” items in each Y facility.
  • Ensures that YMCA staff are diligent in cleaning all areas used by children throughout the day.
  • Provides hand sanitizer and hand wipes to members and staff at multiple locations in each YMCA facility. For the safety of members and staff that are cleaning, rubber gloves will be available and immediate hand washing will be encouraged
  • Encourage frequent hand cleaning and hand sanitization of all members and staff in each YMCA facility.
  • Educates staff and members with facts about the flu and other viruses. The YMCA encourages any staff or members (including their children) that are experiencing any of the symptoms affiliated with the flu or coronavirus to stay away from the Y and immediately see their doctor (or go to urgent care / hospital).
  • Monitors the health and well-being of staff, members and children at the YMCA to determine if they are experiencing any symptoms of the flu or coronavirus. In instances where symptoms of the flu or coronavirus are observed, YMCA staff and members will be sent home. Parents with children in the care of the YMCA will be contacted to pick up their children.

Thank you very much for assisting us in keeping a healthy environment at the YMCA!