Facility Safety Protocols

September 7, 2021 through TBD

These protocols have been created to meet the requirements of the CDC and DHHS licensing rules and regulations for the state of Maine.

Full screening of all children and staff each day for COVID-19 symptoms: 

  • Fever (body temperature of 100.4 or above) or chills 
  • Cough 
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
  • Headache 
  • Chills 
  • Sore throat 
  • Muscle or body aches (not exercise related) 
  • Loss of taste or smell 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Fatigue 
  • Congestion 
  • Runny nose (along with other symptoms) 

Strict health policy for staff and children requiring absence or being sent  home if any of the listed symptoms are present: 

  • Staff or children displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to  attend. 
  • Children will be required to stay home if anyone in the household is ill with COVID symptoms.
  • If symptoms develop during the day, staff or children will be sent home  immediately. 
  • Staff or children with symptoms should consult their medical provider to  determine if they are in need of COVID-19 testing. 
  • Staff or children who are tested for COVID-19 may not return until a negative  test result is returned. 
  •  Staff or children can return when they have been symptom free for 24 hours  without the use of fever-reducing medication or with a doctor’s note and/or a negative COVID test.
  • Staff or enrolled children coming in close contact* with a positive case of  COVID-19 ,at school or outside of school, must quarantine for 10 days regardless of a negative test result 

*The CDC defines close contact as: ”someone who was within 6 feet of an  infected person for at least 15 minutes .over a 24 hour period, starting from 2 days before illness  onset (or, for asymptomatic clients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.”

Drop off/Pick up procedures to promote social distancing: 

Moore Center atrium: Traffic pattern will be defined and enforced.  Face coverings are required and hands must be sanitized prior to  entry. 

Beechland Building: Face  coverings are required and hands must be sanitized prior to entry. ∙ 

  • The number of families permitted to enter the facilities at one time will be  limited to allow for social distancing when necessary  
  •  Families will NOT be permitted to enter the childcare wing at Moore Center
  • Families will NOT be permitted to enter classrooms at Beechland 
  •  All car seats are to be left in cars. If this is not possible they can be left in  the vestibules of each building. 
  •  Only required items for your child may be dropped off. We are asking that  nap items not go back and forth each day but be sent home at the end of the  week.  

Limited sharing of staff among the programs: 

Children will be with their classroom or program teachers with limited  crossover for staff unless necessary for state regulations or they are in their same pods.

Shared spaces will be used on a strict schedule to allow for detailed  cleaning in between uses: 

  • The gym at the Moore Center will be used on a strict schedule
  • Romper room or Adventure room will be utilized on a strict schedule with  cleaning in between each use. 

Added hand washing for all children and staff in addition to regular  practices: 

  • Hand washing will occur frequently. 
  • Hands will be washed upon arrival prior to starting the day.

(Beechland families please wash hands before coming in or sanitize in entry for children being dropped off in the adventure room)

Face coverings: 

  • Staff and all adults in the building must wear face coverings indoors. 
  •  When outdoors face coverings will be worn when the following apply;
    • We are face to face with a child or adult or
    • Having a close interaction with a child or
    • holding a child

Additional cleaning practices will be put into place: 

  • Items in common areas such as door handles will be cleaned frequently  throughout the day. 
  • Classroom tables and counters will be cleaned after every use. ∙ Disinfectant fogging of common areas will occur daily. 

Confirmed case of COVID-19 in a facility protocol: 

  • If a case of COVID-19 is confirmed in a classroom there will be a minimum of  a 24 hour shut down of all contaminated areas for deep cleaning and  sanitizing. 
  • The CDC will be contacted immediately. 

All CDC guidelines and guidance will be followed.

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 remove face coverings 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.)

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.    
  • Entry for weight/cardio rooms is on a first come first serve basis.
  • There is hand sanitizer, antimicrobial wipes and paper towels and spray for personal and equipment use. Please continue to take care of yourself and our equipment.
  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some equipment has been moved to give patrons more space to use our machines. It is the personal responsibility of members and guests to allow space as they feel comfortable.
  • 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.
  • We continue our heightened clearing protocols and we expect members and guests to continue cleaning equipment and spaces. 

Pool

  • Swim lesson instructors will wear face shields during lessons

  • Pool users may remove face coverings while in the pool and showers.

  • Lifeguards will be masked when interacting with and within 6 feet of users. 

Swim Meets

  • All athletes will be masked except right before they get in the water.
  • No eating on the pool deck.
  • Swimmers are encouraged to come to The Y dressed in their suits. Locker rooms will be open, but use will be limited.
  • Teams will be seated at opposite sides of the pool and approach their events from opposite directions.
  • There will be no spectator seating on deck. When possible, remote viewing (TV) will be available. Parents may come on deck to watch their swimmer’s event live while standing near the lobby door, outside of the swimmer zone.
  • All volunteers & staff must be masked the entire time.
  • Heat lineups will be limited to decrease congestion behind the blocks.

Youth Sports and Recreational Programs

  • There will be no sharing of equipment in our youth sports and recreational programs.
  • 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. 

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 remove face coverings 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.)

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.    
  • Entry for weight/cardio rooms is on a first come first serve basis.
  • There is hand sanitizer, antimicrobial wipes and paper towels and spray for personal and equipment use. Please continue to take care of yourself and our equipment.
  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some equipment has been moved to give patrons more space to use our machines. It is the personal responsibility of members and guests to allow space as they feel comfortable.
  • 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.
  • We continue our heightened clearing protocols and we expect members and guests to continue cleaning equipment and spaces. 

Pool

  • Swim lesson instructors will wear face shields during lessons.

  • Pool users may remove face coverings while in the pool and showers.

  • Lifeguards will be masked when interacting with and within 6 feet of users.

Swim Meets

  • All athletes will be masked except right before they get in the water.
  • No eating on the pool deck.
  • Swimmers are encouraged to come to The Y dressed in their suits. Locker rooms will be open, but use will be limited.
  • Teams will be seated at opposite sides of the pool and approach their events from opposite directions.
  • There will be no spectator seating on deck. When possible, remote viewing (TV) will be available. Parents may come on deck to watch their swimmer’s event live while standing near the lobby door, outside of the swimmer zone.
  • All volunteers & staff must be masked the entire time.
  • Heat lineups will be limited to decrease congestion behind the blocks.

 

  •  

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 remove face coverings 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.)

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.    
  • Entry for weight/cardio rooms is on a first come first serve basis.
  • There is hand sanitizer, antimicrobial wipes and paper towels and spray for personal and equipment use. Please continue to take care of yourself and our equipment.
  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some equipment has been moved to give patrons more space to use our machines. It is the personal responsibility of members and guests to allow space as they feel comfortable.
  • 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.
  • We continue our heightened clearing protocols and we expect members and guests to continue cleaning equipment and spaces. 

Youth Sports and Recreational Programs

  • There will be no sharing of equipment in our youth sports and recreational programs.
  • 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. 

Protocols and timeline are subject to change or adaptation as we proceed further with the guidance of the CDC and health officials.