YMCA procedures help its members feel safe

WASHINGTON - After opening the doors to the new building only a few months ago, the Washington YMCA has been working to keep patrons safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Y has been providing a place for people to focus on health and well-being while getting a break from everyday life.

Washington YMCA CEO Amy Schulte said the staff has been working to provide a safe wellness option. Those who are not feeling well are asked not to participate, members who are high risk are asked to wear masks and strict cleaning procedures have been put in place before and after using equipment.

The staff has been cleaning on a regular basis and keeping logs of what is done. Equipment has been spread out around the track as well as every other cardio machine being shut off.

For youth sports, staff checks in with each family on a daily basis to see if the child is not feeling well or if they have any symptoms.

Though the general facility has had lower numbers than they expected - partly due to the virus, partly due to the warm summer months - the class participation has been average.

Branch Director and fitness instructor Teri Hartzler said certain classes are done outside, and other classes are social distancing, such as the spin class where participants use every other bike.

'Everybody who comes here are totally comfortable,” Hartzler said.

For those who may not be comfortable, The Y is offering virtual classes and live classes on Facebook.

August is the quietest month of the year for the Y, and Hartzler is looking forward to attendance to pick up.

Schulte said people have been receptive to the changes and feel comfortable visiting, especially in the classes where they are able to maintain social distance.

Greta Clemons has been taking a spin class through the Y for a year now. She said she was comfortable attending classes during the pandemic because of the new building and the distancing.

'I really wipe down when I'm done to make sure I've cleaned my area,” Clemons said.

Paula and Michael Brinning have been with the Y for six years and said they feel comfortable attending classes especially with the new building.

The couple said the ventilation in the building helps, and you can feel the air flow.

As fall approaches, Schulte said it will truly test if people are comfortable visiting the facility. Schulte said they will continue to monitor if what they are doing is consistent with the recommendations and will make adjustments as needed.