YMCAs Report .00638% Positivity Rate

MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT, January 19, 2021 – After four months since re-opening, YMCAs of Connecticut report that they have had over 658,000 visits at 43 locations across the state. Each visit is perhaps a chance that someone who is positive for COVID-19 will enter a facility.

Over this period, just 42 individuals have reported that they have tested positive and, after contact tracing, no cases have originated at a YMCA. 42 positive cases, 658,000 visits reflect a .00638% positivity rate. “We have done everything in our power to be good stewards of community health by providing vital community services and clean and safe environments. Member safety is our top priority and the Y is clean, safe, and in full compliance with all DECD and public health guidelines. These results speak for themselves, Ys are safe,” says Michele Rulnick, Northern Middlesex YMCA CEO.

On June 17th, when Phase 2 went into effect, Y’s re-opened cleaner than ever and having created new safety measures to protect employees and visitors. These included enhanced employee training, new cleaning equipment & systems, adding reservation software systems, re-organizing exercise spaces & spreading equipment, adding entry health check procedures and developing contingency procedures for potential positive cases at the Y.

“When it’s determined that a member or employee tests positive or has been in close contact with a positive case, our detailed action plan ensures individual quarantine and contact tracing to ensure that there is limited or no spread of the virus,” says Michele Rulnick, YMCA CEO. “The fact that COVID-19 has not spread at any of our gym facilities is proof positive that our protocols and procedures are working.”

For over 168 years, Connecticut YMCAs have been a mainstay of support through thick and thin, including service through the 1918 Spanish Flu. Our current crisis has proven the value of our deep roots and long-standing relationships we’ve fostered over the decades. Embedded in communities throughout the state, our Ys have connections with community, church, and local business leaders who are eager to provide partnership and resources. This allowed our Ys, to pivot to provide essential services with unique efficiency.

In the days and weeks following gym closings on March 16th, Connecticut YMCAs stayed busy. Ys served 454 children at 26 emergency childcare locations, served 2,452 meals at 12 locations, hosted 20 blood drives at 11 locations, made and delivered 1,550 masks and distributed 1,400 diapers. In addition, Y’s provided virtual programming for 7,500 youth, 27,800 fitness participants and 12,600 seniors. With the help of the PPP loan program, this time was also spent cleaning, updating, adding technology, ordering new equipment & supplies and planning for re-opening.

“We are proud of our ability to adapt to our community’s needs and provide service in new ways,” says Michele Rulnick, Northern Middlesex YMCA CEO. To support families during the pandemic since March, the Northern Middlesex YMCA has offered:

· FREE Emergency Childcare to Healthcare Workers and First Responders

· Distance Learning Support Program at the YMCA

· Hybrid Learning Program at YMCA Camp Ingersoll

· Summer Enrichment Day Camp at the YMCA

· Summer Day Camp at YMCA Camp Ingersoll

· Before and After School Care at 11 Schools in Middletown, Portland and Cromwell.

At the Northern Middlesex YMCA, located at 99 Union Street, members have access to the following amenities:

· Group Exercise Classes (online and in person)

· 6 Lane Lap Pool

· 90 degree Therapeutic Pool

· Racquetball Courts

· Basketball Gymnasium

· Fitness Center (Weights & Cardio)

· Personal Training

· MX4 Small Group (2 person) HIIT Training Class

For the January Special, choose the monthly draft option you desire, pay for January and your February draft will be automatically adjusted prior to the 2/15/2020 draft date.

To learn more about the Northern Middlesex YMCA or to join, visit www.midymca.org or call 860-347-6907.

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About the Y

The Northern Middlesex YMCA is a non-profit organization founded in 1886. The organization currently serves tens of thousands in Middlesex County through various programs that encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A strong community relationship has made it possible for the Northern Middlesex Y to have a significant reach and provide quality service to all regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation or financial status. www.midymca.org