Committed to Keeping Community Safe and Healthy
Last updated: January 7, 2022, at 1:59 p.m. PT
Originally published: January 7, 2022, at 1:59 p.m. PT
The safety and well-being of our members, staff, and community is at the core of our values toward supporting whole person health for all. With the new year, we wanted to take a moment to revisit our policies and thank you for all that you are doing to help keep yourself, our staff, and our community safe at the Y.
In compliance with local and regional health orders, the Y requires everyone 12 and up to be vaccinated or show proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours in advance of entering our facilities. With our Fast Pass system, you only have to show your proof of vaccine once and can skip the line to start working out without delay. Masks are still required of everyone 5 years and older, regardless of vaccination status. Read our mask policy
More information on the latest guidelines can also be found from King County Public Health, Washington State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Our vaccine policy is based on the most recent King County health order and is intended to help protect visitors, staff, and our county’s health care system, and prevent business closures by slowing the spread of Covid-19. Coupled with our increased cleaning and access to cleaning stations placed throughout your local branch, you will enjoy a greater sense of safety and peace of mind while in our facilities.
In recent weeks, a new variant has caused an increase in new cases and health officials expect more cases throughout January as post-holiday travelers return home. Through strict adherence to best practices — including masks, social distancing, and vaccines — along with increased cleanings and continually monitoring the science to seek any ways to improve, the Y is committed to minimizing risk as much as possible for you and our communities.
Getting vaccinated and up to date on boosters remains one of our best ways to protect ourselves and those around us. Vaccinations also reduce the number of severe infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. If you haven’t already, get your booster shot. Everyone aged 12 and older is eligible for boosters. You can use the Washington State Vaccine Locator to make an appointment.
Individuals who are vaccinated but feel they may have been exposed can also take the extra measure of taking an at-home Covid-19 test. These at-home tests are not an acceptable form of proving a negative Covid-19 test to enter the Y if you are unvaccinated, but are an added way for everyone to monitor their infection risk and know when to isolate to limit exposure to others. The Washington Department of Health has guidelines on where to find these tests as well as helpful guidelines on when to get tested if you believe you have been exposed.
Safety is our first priority, and we may experience program cancellations and full facility closures if cases continue to rise. We will communicate any Covid-19 related closures through our emergency text alerts, Facebook, and website.
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep all members and staff healthy and safe, we are also encouraging families to only send one parent and/or guardian with their child to youth programs each week, such as youth sports, enrichment classes, and swim lessons. If your child exhibits any symptoms, out of caution, please keep your child home until they are well again.
If you do find yourself home, or wanting to stay home, it doesn’t have to mean staying away from the Y and putting your health routine on hold. Virtual Y, a 24/7 on-demand service free to all members of the Y, offers up workouts led by Y instructors, youth activities, cooking lessons, and so much more.
We appreciate all that you do to help keep yourself, our staff, and our community safe at the Y. As we recover and welcome community back into our Y programs and facilities, people of all stages of life are coming together to re-connect, laugh, learn, exercise, and collectively strengthen community. In 2022, we wish you and your family all the peace, prosperity, and joy your hearts can hold and can’t wait to see you at the Y.
We will continue to constantly reevaluate our safety measures and policy, engaging with the science and regional guidelines to keep our staff, members, and community safe. Read our full policy update for all the details.
With your help, we can keep the Y safe and available for all members and staff.