Mask Update

Updated September 9, 2021

Your health and safety are our top priority. In compliance with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommendations, amid rising Delta variant transmission and COVID-19 cases in the Twin Cities, YWCA Minneapolis will require face coverings to be worn by everyone – both vaccinated and unvaccinated– when inside our facilities, effective September 13.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, YWCA Minneapolis has consistently followed CDC and MDH guidance, as well as state and local mandates, and we have implemented protocols to help keep our community safe. We also rely on our YWCA community to do their part to help keep themselves and others safe. Effective September 13, face coverings will be required for:

• Employees regardless of vaccination status
• Fitness members regardless of vaccination status
• 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
• Children ages 2 and older who are not in ECE programming

We continue to offer in-person and socially distanced fitness on site (the American Council on Exercise and our certified personal trainers can offer suggestions on safely exercising with face coverings), as well as aquatics programming, including reservations for family pod swimming at YWCA Midtown. Additionally, we offer virtual programs and outdoor classes for members who prefer to get their exercise at home or off-site during this time.

Given vaccine hesitancy among a number of populations, we do not currently mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for employees nor do we request proof of vaccination for members or program participants. However, we strongly encourage everyone to make informed decisions about getting vaccinated and wearing masks in certain settings or situations as recommended by the CDC and MDH.

This is a challenging and ever-evolving time for all of us to navigate. We will continue to monitor the ongoing status of COVID-19 and guidance from the CDC and MDH. Thank you for doing your part and bearing with us as we strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our YWCA community.

Read more about our policy by clicking the button below.

Mask Policy FAQs

Saunas and Steam Rooms Closed

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our saunas and steam rooms at all our sites are currently closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience, and we will let you know as soon as they open again.