YMCA set to reopen Monday

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Southeast of Missouri YMCA Facilities Director Stan Ivie lifts a bench that was placed in the YMCA gymnasium on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Equipment from the workout facility was transferred to the gymnasium to promote social distancing, as the YMCA reopens on Monday. (Alex Wallner/Standard Democrat)

SIKESTON — The YMCA of Southeast Missouri will reopen Monday.

The YMCA closed its doors due to the coronavirus March 17 and will be reopen Monday with some guidelines and restrictions.

“We never could have imagined that our Y would have been so dark and quiet for the past eight weeks,” said Brandy Johnson, YMCA member and program experience director. “We have missed the smiles, waves, laughter, and conversations of our members and are ready to see our Y family again.”

The YMCA will be open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7-11 a.m. Saturday and will be closed on Sunday.

As part of the reopening, the YMCA will implement some guidelines and restrictions.

“Over the last several weeks, we have participated in multiple conference calls and discussions with the CDC, YUSA, and local/state authorities in order to determine how to re-open the Y facility as safely as possible,” Johnson said. “We believe that the guidelines set forth for Phase I will help us to do so. While we would love to open all areas of the facility as they have been in the past, we know that is not possible at this time.”

Members are to use only the main entrance and adhere to social distancing (six-feet apart) as much as possible.

Youth under the age of 16 will not be allowed without the direct supervision of an adult and members must wash or sanitize their hands before and after using the facilities. Extra sanitation stations will be available.

There will be no towel service so members are encouraged to bring their own towel and no guests will be allowed to maximize space for members.

The Fitness Center will be limited to 35 people and will be set up to assist members with social distancing. This includes using the gymnasium for additional free weight space and general exercise with a limit of 10 people on each side of the gym. There will be no basketball or pickleball allowed.

The track will be limited to 20 people, including cardio equipment and the Aquatic Center will be limited to 10 people for lap and/or fitness swim only.

The family changing room will open for one person at a time and the locker rooms will be open but with no showers.

Programs or facility rooms that will be closed are:

• In-person or group exercise classes

• Youth gym/Kidzone

• Child watch/nursery

• Aerobic, multi-purpose room and spin room

• Lobby and pool viewing area

• Sauna

Members are not required to wear gloves or masks and additional staff will be on duty at all hours to increase sanitation and disinfection efforts. All staff will be wearing masks.

“Much like everything else Y’s across our state and the country are opening in different forms and fashions,” said Jeff Partridge, chief engagement officer at the YMCA. “Every state and every community is different and we are trying to do what is best for our Y and the people we serve locally. We hope people come back but we certainly understand those who may want to wait a bit longer.

“We will do our best to provide the same caring, happy, and safe atmosphere with an added emphasis on keeping our facility clean and safe as we continue to navigate these unusual circumstances. The Y will be ready whenever people choose to return.”

The guidelines and restrictions will be re-evaluated by May 31.

“As we move through Phase I, we promise to be diligent in our research in order to implement a Phase 2 that will allow us to continue to offer a safe and healthy environment,” Johnson said. “We appreciate the patience of our members and community as we navigate through the upcoming weeks and months.”

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