In response to the start of the 2021-22 school year and the increased risk the delta variant is having on the COVID 19 pandemic as well as the shift from state to federal CDC guidance and risk level we are taking this opportunity to review, update and communicate our COVID 19 policies.
Effective Tuesday September 7th and while Hancock County continues to be in the red or high community transmission category as defined by the CDC all Down East Family branches and locations will be observing and enforcing the following:
Face coverings (masks) are required at all Down East Family YMCA branches and locations to enter buildings and in common areas. Fully vaccinated members and guests MAY take face coverings off to workout if a minimum of 6 feet physical distancing can be maintained. Face coverings are required for all unvaccinated members/guests at all times.
Face coverings will be provided for those that forget a face covering and entry will be limited to those with face coverings.
Childcare
Everyone entering The Moore and Beechland Centers needs to wear a face covering (as of 8/6/21) All staff are masked inside. Drop off and pick up areas remain the classroom door(s) at The Beechland Center and the atrium at The Moore Center and the exterior door for the after school program at Moore.
After school care participants will wear face coverings at all times inside during their program.
Pools
Swim lesson instructors will wear face shields during lessons. Pool users may take off face coverings while in the pool and showers. Lifeguards will be masked when interacting with and within 6 feet of users.
Youth sports and recreational programs
There will be no sharing of equipment. Masks will be worn inside by coaching staff and players not playing and those that can’t maintain at least 6 feet of distance during non-play. Masks may be required at away locations and players and spectators should come prepared.
Infected participants need to quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. Close contacts, as deemed by program directors will quarantine for 10 days or 7 days with a negative test on day 7.
Fitness Centers/rooms
Some equipment may be closed to promote physical distancing, choices of exercise and timing is the responsibility of the user and a distance of 6 feet while working out needs to be maintained by all at all times.
Youth fitness space users
Children ages 10-12 may use appropriate fitness equipment with a parent or guardian after an orientation happens. Youth ages 13-14 may use appropriate fitness equipment after an orientation.
Cleaning
We continue our heightened clearing protocols and we expect members and guests to continue cleaning equipment and spaces.
Please report any positive cases associated with The Y and it’s programming as soon as possible. We need everyone to be open in communicating and responding to our requests and requirements on case identification and vaccination status.
Should Hancock County move to a different risk level, we reserve the right to alter and communicate changes to these protocols within 24 hours of any change on CDC data and reporting. We will communicate changes to members via email, to community via our social media channels and on our website at defymca.org