YMCA Member Update
Dear Y Members & Friends:
As you may know, on Monday, May 24th Governor Murphy announced the lifting of the NJ statewide indoor mask mandate for vaccinated individuals and the 6-foot social distancing rule in public spaces. This follows the CDC’s guidance recommending that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask or social distance in any setting.
We know you are eager to return to normalcy, and wanted to provide you with some updates to our policies in alignment with the recent announcements by the State of New Jersey and the CDC:
Outdoor YMCA Group Exercise
Effective Immediately, masks/face coverings are no longer required for members attending Outdoor YMCA Group Exercise programs, regardless of vaccination status.
Indoor YMCA Activities and Programs
As of Friday, May 28th, in accordance with the State and CDC guidelines, mask/face coverings will be optional within the YMCA facility for fully vaccinated members, with the exceptions noted below.
We ask that unvaccinated members over the age of 2, continue to wear a mask/face covering in accordance with the State and CDC guidelines, unless wearing a mask would endanger one’s health, with the exception of while utilizing the pool.
Members who do not feel comfortable going mask free for any reason should continue to wear a mask or face covering. Please be respectful of everyone’s choice at this time.
We encourage all members to consider the use of a mask/face covering at all times when 6-foot social distancing is not possible in any indoor public setting.
Child Care, Summer Camp and Homeless Shelters
Child Care, including Before/After School Care, Summer Camp and Homeless Shelters are not affected by the Governor’s announcement. We continue to follow all State, CDC and Licensing guidelines.
Fully vaccinated is defined by the CDC as:
- 2 weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
This policy is based on our YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility. We will not require proof of vaccination status.
At this time, YMCA Staff will continue to wear masks/face coverings.
Health & Safety Procedures will continue, including:
- Temperature Checks
- Health Screening
- Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
- Reservations for designated programs or areas of the YMCA
We ask that you please refrain from visiting the YMCA when not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
At The Gateway Family YMCA, the safety of our children, members, residents and Y staff continues to remain our highest priority. We value your support and assistance in providing a safe environment for all.
As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to follow all required State, CDC, Health Department and Licensing guidelines as they continue to evolve. We will communicate changes with members as they occur.
We thank you for being part of our Y!
Resources:
Executive Order 242 https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/pdf/EO-242.pdf
CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
