Updated May 14

Please note this update does not apply to Child Care. Visit this page for Child Care guidelines.

 

As you are aware, since reopening our facilities in June 2020, we have followed both CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines related to COVID-19 safety protocols. We thank you for your support throughout this time.

 

Late on 5/13, the CDC announced that individuals fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no longer need to wear a mask while indoors. Shortly after the CDC announcement, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that effective immediately, anyone fully vaccinated for COVID-19 is not subject to the state Mask Order, which remains in effect until 70 percent of Pennsylvanians are vaccinated. 

 

In accordance with this announcement, beginning Friday, May 14, members, program participants and staff of The Greater Valley YMCA who are fully vaccinated may utilize our facilities and participate in programs without a face mask. 

Fully vaccinated is defined 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 the Johnson & Johnson vaccine

If you do not meet the above requirements, you are not considered fully vaccinated and therefore are required to continue to wear a mask when inside a YMCA facility and when outdoors on our grounds when social distancing cannot be maintained. We are counting on the integrity of our Y community to follow this guidance based on their vaccination status. 

 

In honoring our Y core value of respect, with regards to our fellow Y members/staff, please remember individuals may continue to wear a mask because they are mid-vaccine or as an extra precaution. If you have any questions regarding the mask order while accessing the facility, please see the front desk or any Y-management employee. 

 

We will continue to complete temperature checks upon entry into the facility, maintain social distance around our equipment and group exercise spaces, use our reservation system, and apply our enhanced cleaning practices. These additional safety precautions will remain in effect the Pennsylvania mitigation orders have been lifted on June 1, 2021.   

 

The safety of our members, participants and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to uphold COVID-19 safety guidelines from the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health. We appreciate your care and respect for your fellow Y members as we continue to work together to maintain the safest environment possible.  

 

The Y will continue to monitor the situation within our facilities, as well as incorporate guidance from the CDC and the Commonwealth to make adjustments as needed. We appreciate everyone's pstience as we enter the new normal together. 

 

Beginning June 1: 

Beginning June 1, temperatures will no longer be checked. We ask members to self-screen before entering our Y Branches. Reservations will still be required for all areas except for the Wellness Center. All equipment will be open but we ask members to monitor social distancing in all areas of the Y including the locker rooms. 

Please contact your local Y Branch for questions about specific amenities.

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COVID-19 Policies & Procedures

Please be assured that your safety - and the safety of all our members, program participants, staff and volunteers - is our number one priority. We’re following CDC guidelines ensuring our facilities meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety, and we have modified our policies and programs to facilitate safe physical/social distancing practices. We thank you for your help in keeping our facilities clean and safe for all.

 

Please check out this Welcome Back Video for further information:

 

 

Reference this helpful What's Open document for information on what will be open in the coming month.. 

 

Making Reservations for Facility Usage and Classes

We request all members make reservations for usage of all of our facility areas, including the Wellness Center, Pool, as well as for indoor and outdoor classes.  Class information will be featured on our Branch Facebook pages and can also be found here.  To reserve a spot for class or a time slot for usage of our Wellness Area or Pool, please call your Branch 24-hours in advance.  Classes and time slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Facebook Page Links:                  Branch Phone Number:
Allentown Branch                         (610) 351-9622
Bethlehem Branch                        (610) 867-7588
Easton/Phillipsburg Branch           (610) 258-6158
Nazareth Branch                          (610) 759-3440
Slate Belt Branch                         (610) 881-4470
Suburban North Branch                (610) 264-5221

 

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Virtual Class Information

We've launched Y Wellness 24/7 to provide on-demand, virtual classes to Y members anytime and anywhere. This is part of all Y Greater Valley YMCA memberships.  Click here to learn more and register.

 

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Programs and Services Currently Unavailable

 

Based on CDC guidelines and best practices, some programs and services (for example: saunas and steam rooms) are not currently available at our Branch locations. Please contact your local branch for questions about our full scope of services. We hope to phase in more programs and services as soon as possible.

 

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CDC Screening Questions When Entering Our Facilities

1) Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?

2) Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath or sore throat? 

3) Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?

4) Have you had a new loss of taste or smell?

5) Have you had vomitting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours? 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Progression of reopening of services is subject to change and will be based off CDC guidelines and Best Practices through our PA State Alliance and YUSA

 

What will be open?

Wellness Center and group exercise classes will be open on a reservation basis, first-come, first-serve. Please call your home branch to schedule your reservation 24 hours in advance.

 

Certain amenities that had previously been closed due to CDC restrictions are reopening in March. Some of these amenities include the use of showers and Child Watch. Contact your local branch for specifics on reopening date and details related to amenity usage. 

 

What hours will the Y be open?

All Branches: Monday to Friday - 6 AM to 8PM

Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton/Phillipsburg, Nazareth Branches: Saturday - 8 AM to 2 PM

Suburban North/Slate Belt Branches: Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM

Sunday - Closed

 

How will I access the Y?

There will be one point of access and one point of egress from all buildings.  Please make sure you are swiping in at the Welcome Center.

 

Will I need to be “checked-in” to the Y?

Upon arriving to your Y, you will be asked to stay 6 feet apart from the entrance as each member and staff will enter the building individually.  You will immediately hand sanitize, be asked 5 CDC wellness questions, and have your temperature taken to ensure you are 100.4 degrees or less.  Assuming you answer no to all CDC questions and have an acceptable temperature, you will then enter the building, scan your membership card, and wash your hands in the closest bathroom.  On your first visit, you will complete a new mandatory membership waiver.

 

Are there special procedures to use the Y besides the check-in process?

Reservations will be required to use the facility.  Please contact your local branch to schedule your one-hour time slot 24 hours in advance.  This one-hour time slot includes any dressing/undressing you may do to prepare to use your selected areas.

 

Do I need to wear a mask?

Due to current CDC guidelines, the Y requires masks for those who are unvaccinated. We ask those who have not received the vaccine to wear a cloth mask properly as advised by the Health Department, over your nose and mouth at all times when entering our facilities. Those using the pool must properly wear a cloth mask to the pool deck, may remove your mask for active swimming, and replace your mask when exiting the pool deck. As the health and safety of our members, volunteers and staff are our foremost priorities, no medical or other exemptions will be made.

 

Can I bring gym bags and other personal effects to the Y?

Please contact your local branch about bags or other personal items other than your own personal drinking bottle of water. Water fountains are turned off. Towels for the pool and towel service will not be available.

 

Will I be able to bring guests to the Y?

The Y will be utilized by existing members and those new members only at this time.  Guests will not be allowed, and the AWAY program and Nationwide programs have been suspended until further notice. 

 

Will there be capacity limits?

There is a 50% maximum capacity for each area in use at your Branch.  Please contact your home Branch to schedule your reservation 24 hours in advance.

 

Will I be able to “sit and chat” with my friends?

We recognize you miss your friends and we do too, currently we will not have common areas open, nor will we be providing coffee service.  We ask that you practice social distancing whenever on the property.

 

How do I know what to do or where to go?

Welcome Center staff will assist in directing you where to go upon entering the facility.  There are also clearly marked arrows and signage posted throughout the facility to assist you.

 

Is the Y be clean and safe?

With your assistance, the Y is safer and cleaner than ever.  We ask members to clean all equipment prior to and after every use.  Staff will also be scheduled in each service area for extra cleaning during hours of operation as well as after shutdown. Check your local Branch for this schedule.  Staff also clean their respective workspaces every 30-60 minutes at a minimum.

 

How will I know if the Y is closed or an event is canceled?

We will be using our usual means of communication for cancelation, changes (WFMZ, Facebook, Website, Remind and RainedOut).

 

Is my favorite class or program coming back?

Contact your local Branch for details on programs and class information.