Dear YMCA Members,  

As the region shifts to the lessoning of mask mandates due to the high rate of vaccination levels in our area combined with the drop in COVID transmission rates and hospitalizations, the Y is pleased to be able to share the following update in masking policies at YMCA’s in Virginia. For your information, the entire region is now at a low rate of hospitalization, which is now used by the CDC as a guideline for COVID protocol. As you may be aware, the number of cases reported by both members and staff using the Y has also dropped exponentially over the last 30 days with no cases reported in our Ys over the last two weeks. The Y believes this is a direct correlation with the number of members who have been vaccinated along with the safety protocols implemented at our Y’s.  

Effective at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1st, members and their guests at the Y will not be required to show proof of vaccination or wear masks to enter the YMCA facilities in Virginia.   

• The Y recommends that those who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear masks as a safety precaution for themselves and others (2-weeks after their 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.)  
• For those individuals and youth under the age of 18, the Y will follow local school mandates in the jurisdictions that we serve. Currently, per the statewide mandate, parents will now be making the decision as to whether or not their children wear masks.   
• For those families utilizing our child watch, the Y recommends at this time all children above the age of three that are not vaccinated continue to wear masks indoors. However, per the state mandate, parents that elect to have their children not wear a mask are asked to please complete a form that is available in the Child Watch room supporting their decision at check-in. 

For your information, at this time the Y will continue to require that all staff be fully vaccinated and to wear a mask at all times when indoors. Staff will be allowed to remove their masks when outdoors.  All cleaning protocols adapted for COVID and other virus prevention measures will continue such as heightened cleaning with appropriate antiviral products and UVC cleaning after hours.  

Continuing to Look Forward  

As we prepare for this new but familiar phase of operations, we are preparing for a healthy spring that represents more of what we have come to experience at our Ys.  

• Preparations are in progress for the refurbishing of our pools and outdoor environments at all Y locations, including walking paths and areas used for camp.  
• We will begin adding more group exercise classes and other offerings that will support your fitness goals for you and your family in the new year.  
• We will be reviewing swim teams gradually being reinstated and corresponding to vaccination rates and local school mandates.  

As always, we value your feedback, particularly regarding new programs and services you would like to see at your Y by responding to this email. Thank you for your YMCA membership.  

Yours In Good Health,   

YMCA of Metropolitan Washington