Dear Y Community,

The health and safety of Y members is our top priority, and we are reaching out with an update on the coronavirus disease (also referred to as COVID-19). The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is actively monitoring the news and advisories concerning the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that our industry is considered a low risk category and should take the same basic precautions to prevent the spread of the virus as the common cold.

As a reminder, it is always good practice for members, parents, and children, regardless of exposure risks, to adhere to the following preventative measures year round:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Please stay home, or keep your child home if he/she is sick until at least 24 hours after any signs of a fever have gone (without the use of fever-reducing medications) or with the clearance from a healthcare provider.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned for your child or family member who is showing symptoms of an illness.
• If sick, restrict activities outside your home as much as possible. If you must leave home, cover your nose and mouth with a mask or cloth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

At the YMCA, the safety and wellness of our members and participants is very important to us. We are constantly monitoring this evolving situation and following the guidelines of the CDC in all of our locations and work spaces to keep our members and staff safe. This includes:

• Expanding our cleaning protocols to ensure we use products, such as Virex, that has been found to be effective against viruses.
• Ensuring there are ample hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes throughout our facilities for your use. Your partnership in this effort is welcome, and your continued use of the sanitizing wipes that are provided to wipe down all equipment — mats, benches, free weights, cardio and strength machines, etc. — before and after you use them, is appreciated.
• Disinfecting supplies and toys daily.
• Regularly refining and updating plans in place for various situations and circumstances regarding the spread of the virus as new information becomes available, and learning as much as we can in order to make informed decisions.

For additional information and FAQs on the novel coronavirus, visit the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

As the news media continues to report on the spread of the novel coronavirus in the United States, I want to assure you that our intent in sharing this at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is to provide current and accurate information about the situation, and to offer pragmatic steps we all can take to keep our ourselves, children, and members healthy and safe. In the meantime, please be assured that we continue to enforce stringent hygiene and sanitation standards at all of our service sites and remain committed as ever to the well-being of the families we serve.

Also, please be reminded that the virus is not distinguishable by race or nationality. Creating any kind of stigma around those who have contracted the disease is not only discriminatory but it is also likely to discourage early reporting and hinder efforts to limit its spread.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Member Services.

Thank you,

Richard Malone
President and Chief Executive Officer

YMCA OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO