What precautions is YWCA Minneapolis taking to ensure the facilities are safe to use?

We are continuing to monitor the coronavirus pandemic daily and will follow guidance issued by the MN Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We have implemented safety protocols that include social distancing, enhanced cleaning, and health screenings and personal protective equipment for employees.

How is YWCA Minneapolis ensuring employees are healthy to return to work and trained on new protocols to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19?

All employees are required to wear a mask, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. All employees are required to participate in regular health screenings and daily temperature checks. All employees have participated in mandatory training sessions before returning to work on site.

What is YWCA Minneapolis doing to ensure child care centers and summer camps are safe for children?

In compliance with current Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines, face coverings are still required for child care employees.

In our Early Childhood Education Centers, we will continue multiple measures to keep children safe, including:

• modified check in and out procedures
• daily temperature checks
• symptom screening
• requiring masks indoors for children 5 – 11 years old
• reduced classroom sizes
• modified activities
• increased cleaning protocols

Are masks required in the facilities?

What is YWCA Minneapolis doing to ensure the fitness facilities are safe to use?

The health and safety of our program participants and employees remain our top priority. Following guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and in light of declining COVID-19 rates in the Twin Cities and the lifting of mask mandates in Minneapolis and St. Paul, we are taking the following steps to best serve our diverse audiences, effective Saturday, Feb. 26:

• YWCA Minneapolis fitness members and visitors to our fitness centers will no longer be required to wear a mask while in our facilities
• We strongly recommend face masks be worn by all fitness members and visitors while in our facilities, regardless of vaccination status

Properly worn face masks will still be required for:

• Parents and caregivers of children in our Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers and Girls and Youth program participants regardless of vaccination status
• Children in our ECE school-age program
• YWCA Minneapolis employees regardless of vaccination status

Our Pandemic Response Team will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19, follow CDC, MDH and local guidance and implement protocols to help keep our community safe. Thank you for continuing to do your part as we navigate this next phase together.

Capacity limits have been determined for each fitness area and studio to meet social distancing guidelines. While we look forward to restoring full operations when possible, we hope you are able to also take advantage of the many virtual fitness offerings we have available.

What should we all do to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19?

Follow CDC’s recommended guidelines:

• Take the COVID-19 vaccine if you are able
• Wash hands often and thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue then throw the tissue in the trash, or cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
• Wear a face mask indoors in public whether or not you are vaccinated

Can I make a donation to help YWCA Minneapolis and its staff during this time?

Absolutely, we would welcome this! As a nonprofit, COVID-19 has presented us with significant financial challenges. Your support is vital to the health of our organization and we are grateful for your support during this uncertain time. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit ywcampls.org/emergency.