Keeping You Safe at the Y

Published On: March 31, 2021Categories: Blog

For the safety of our YMCA members, program participants and staff, we are being thoughtful and intentional about our reopening process. Based on CDC and State guidelines, all membership branches are operating with limited cardio equipment offerings and reduced hours to allow our staff team to maintain facility cleanliness.

We will closely follow the Governor’s, the County and City orders and require everyone to where a mask while not actively working out. We eagerly await the opportunity to see you at the Y again and to continue serving you, our friends and neighbors!

Read About Our Biotab7 Cleaning Solution

The YMCA of Columbia routinely uses fogger containing Biotab7 throughout the day. Biotab7 is an advanced biocide that disinfects, deodorizes, and clean surfaces, water, and air. This medical grade formula is designed to kill 99.99% of all germs in 60 seconds or less upon contact. The solution is safe for humans, animals, and the environment. Learn more about Biotab 7

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep Your Distance – We have prepared our branches for social distancing by spacing out equipment, alternating our treadmill and cardio usage to every other machine, and by limiting capacity in classes so everyone has adequate space.

Wipe Down Equipment – Our Y staff will be sanitizing equipment and high-touch areas regularly with wipe downs and fogging machines, as well as deep cleaning after the facilities are closed. Please do your part by wiping down equipment before and after your workout with the EPA-approved disinfectant and sanitizer provided.

Wearing A Mask – While not required while engaging in strenuous activity, the Y requests that members wear their masks whenever possible, especially in common areas.

Child Watch – Child Watch is available at the Ballentine, Jeep Rogers, NorthWest and Orangeburg YMCA locations for children ages 2-9 during limited hours. Please see your YMCA location for available hours. Reservations are required. 

Stay Home if You’re Sick – CDC and state guidelines encourage seniors and other vulnerable populations to stay home.

  • Group Ex/Cycle Studios will have limited use and we may ask that you reserve a spot to help with social distancing should classes start to become overcrowded.
  • Every other cardio machine is currently closed for operation.
  • Water Fountains (bottle fillers only).
  • Child Watch Playgrounds Equipment such as Justin’s Place at the NorthWest YMCA, Deep Sea Discovery at the Jeep Rogers YMCA and the playground equipment located inside the Ballentine YMCA. 

Per State and CDC recommendations, we encourage anyone entering the facility to wear a mask, especially in common areas. However, masks are not required, and we are not suggesting that masks be worn during vigorous activity, exercise, or in instances where they may obstruct breathing. Our staff team is required to wear masks while working (unless they’re teaching a group exercise class.

Yes! Our pools are available for lap swim, swim lessons, water aerobics and family swim. 

 

Please check back on our website for the latest information. We will also post updates to the YMCA of Columbia Facebook page frequently, as well as communicate directly to our members through email.