As we continue to align our safety precautions with the latest CDC guidanceand closely monitor the significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases inour community, we once again began requiring that face masks be worn by all Y staff regardless of vaccination status, effective Monday, Aug. 30.
In addition, we are updating our signage and messaging to members to encourage mask wearing and cleaning of equipment and surfaces.
The CDC’s new face mask guidance was updated on Aug. 13 for individuals inareas of substantial or high transmission. All counties in Florida are considered of substantial and high transmission of COVID-19.
Here are actions our Y is taking:
- Our staff will be required to wear masks any time they are working, regardless of vaccination status. Instructors actively teaching a class and lifeguards in the stand will be allowed to unmask.
- All staff who are working directly with children will be required to wear masks.
- We are using EPA-registered products in compliance with CDC standards to kill germs and reduce the risk of spreading infection. These products meet EPA criteria for use against the virus that causes COVID-19.
- We are working with our vendors to ensure staff are trained on how to correctly use our cleaning products to achieve best results.
- We are switching to high quality, more absorbent disposable paper towels for use in cleaning equipment in our wellness areas and ask that all members take responsibility for cleaning equipment thoroughly after each use.
- We recommend masks for all members when indoors and not actively exercising.
These changes will remain in place for the next six weeks, at which time we will revisit community conditions and recommendations and make any additional changes as appropriate.
Thanks to our members who have stayed with the Y during these difficult times. Working together, we will keep our members, our staff, and our Y strong now and in for the future of our community.