COVID-19 Safety Plan and updates

Covid-19 Safety Plan and Policies

Keeping members, Y staff and our community safe is a priority. The COVID Safety Plan and Policies we are working under to ensure we are following the recommendations of the Provincial authorities and any restrictions that have been put in place.

UPDATE april 7, 2022

As per this weeks announcement by Dr. Henry effective tomorrow (April 8, 12:01am) we will no longer be required to see the vaccine passport to enter our facilities.

1. No Vaccine Passport required for Entry: Members are no longer required to show proof of vaccine passport to visit the YMCA of Kamloops. We ask that those who are feeling unwell stay home.

2. Increased Capacities: We no longer have capacity limits on our fitness floor, aquatics and in group fitness classes. We will continue monitor how these higher limits allow us to serve our members safely.

3. Masks: It is recommended to wear a mask for anyone who is not fully vaccinated. We know everyone's comfort level adjusting to these changes is different, so if for those who prefer, they may continue to wear a mask at any time at the Y.

4. Don't Rush to Crowd: Although British Columbians are no longer required to keep 2 metres apart from others, we ask our members to be mindful that everyone is adjusting to an extended period where distancing was essential to staying safe. When visiting the Y, please provide a little extra room so our staff and other members feel comfortable at the Y.

As always, we kindly ask our members to wipe down all fitness equipment before and after use!

UPDATE March 10, 2022

Dr. Henry announced this afternoon that as of tomorrow (March 11, 12:01am) masks will now be optional within indoor public settings. Our Kamloops YMCA-YWCA facilities will follow the direction of Public Health and therefore masks will no longer be required, but rather optional beginning tomorrow. We do encourage anyone who would like to continue wearing a mask for their own comfort, to continue to do so. Please be respectful of others comfort levels and continue to keep yourself and others healthy by staying home if you are unwell.

It was also announced that the Province intends to lift the Proof of Vaccination requirement on April 8. We will continue to require anyone entering our facility to show proof of full vaccination until that time when the PHO is formally lifted.

UPDATE February 15, 2022

Today, February 15, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the easing of some COVID-19 restrictions within the Province of BC. The following changes will take place within the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA health and fitness facilities effective Thursday February 17.

What's changing:

Increase to group fitness class size maximums. Group fitness class registration continues to be recommended but not required.
Full capacity for aquatics services. Lap lane swimming and aqua fitness class registration continues to be recommended but not required.
Full capacity for weight room, cardio and change room areas, continuing to be mindful of other users personal space.

WHAT IS NOT CHANGING:

Restrictions and safety measures that remain in place will be reviewed in March 2022 as per the direction of Provincial Health.

Masks required in all common areas within the facility, except while actively engaged in exercise.
Proof of full vaccination required, in the form of a provincially of federally issued QR code, for all visitors 12 years and over.
Detailed cleaning and sanitation procedures.
Adherence to the organization's COVID-19 safety plan.
Please stay home if you are sick.

Update January 18, 2022

We are pleased to report that Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Tuesday afternoon a gradual reopening for gyms and fitness centres on January 20. We thank you for your understanding and patience over the past few weeks as we continue to follow Public Health Orders. We appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you as safely as possible.

Reopening will be based on strict COVID-19 safety plans including the following:

Proof of full vaccination required for anyone 12 years and older.

Reduced capacity limits in the gym and fitness studios to allow 7 square metres of space between workout machines or people in a group class.

Masks worn at all times, except when actively exercising, although individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask even when exercising.

Increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

What does that mean for you and the Kamloops Y?

The Downtown facility weight room and cardio spaces will re-open for individual conditioning Thursday January 20, see hours of operation below.

Group fitness classes at the Downtown facility will resume Monday January 24. The schedule will be available on our website ASAP. Pre-registration for group classes will be required.

Group fitness classes at the John Tod Centre facility will resume Monday January 31. Participants will receive further information on class capacity and registration following this communication.

Playcare at the Downtown facility will re-open Monday January 24.

The pool, hot tub and sauna will remain open with limited capacity. Pre-registration for lap lanes is recommended.

Playcare Hours (beginning Jan 24):
Monday to Friday, 9am – 1pm

Memberships Currently on Hold

If your membership is currently on hold and you would like to reinstate it, you may do so by contacting Member Services at downtown.memberservices@kamloopsy.ca or in person at the Downtown Y location.

Virtual Fitness Options

If you are not yet comfortable returning to in person programming we have you covered with a variety of virtual fitness options included in your membership.

UPDATE DECEMBER 22, 2021

Yesterday afternoon Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new health orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our province. These orders affect all British Columbians and focus on buying more time to learn about the very transmissible Omicron variant and ensure more of the population receives booster doses. The orders impact the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA as well.

Effective tonight (Dec 22) until January 18, 2022, both the Downtown and John Tod Health & Fitness Centres, including Playcare, will be closed. We will continue to follow the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer and share updates with you during this shutdown. Our aquatics services (pool, hot tub and sauna) at the Downtown facility will remain open with limited hours. Our violence intervention services including the Emergency Shelter will remain open 24 hours 7 days a week throughout the holiday season. Our childcare programs, Child Care Resource and Referral and Early Years Centre will all remain open with holidays hours in effect.

BEGINNING TUESDAY JANUARY 4, 2022 hours of operation until January 18, 2022

Monday – Friday 6:00am- 7:00pm Saturday 8:00am-3:00pm Sunday CLOSED

What does this mean for our members?

Your membership fees will remain active, unless you choose to put your membership on hold.
We will continue to offer virtual programming, including:

How can I put my membership on hold?

We will not be placing your membership on hold automatically.

You can place your membership on hold for the duration of the closure by sending an email request to downtown.memberservices@kamloopsy.ca

Please note: Your hold may not line up exactly to when your most recent payment has been taken, but your hold will take effect immediately and your account will be automatically credited from the date of your hold. We ask for your patience as we begin to process large numbers of payment adjustments.

Accessing online virtual fitness and family wellness activities through Y @Home +

The Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA is committed to continue showing up for our community. During this closure, the best way for you to support us while staying healthy at home, is through our virtual programming:

Visit YMCAHome.ca/member
Click on Create an Account
Enter your $0 DISCOUNT CODE: Contact Member Services for the Member Coupon Code.
Bookmark the webpage YMCAHome.ca/member-home for easy access to Y@HOME+.
Questions about the platform? Visit FAQ page at www.ymcahome.ca/faq or www.ymcahome.ca/contact

Please note: To participate in virtual programming your membership fees must be active. You cannot participate in virtual programming while on hold.

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If you have any question or need support with your membership, please connect with us via either method below:

Email: downtown.memberservices@kamloopsy.ca phone: 250-372-7725

Our team will miss being part of your daily routine! We are in this together, and we look forward to continuing to be here for you, even when we can’t see you in person.

We look forward to welcoming you back very soon. Please keep safe and enjoy the holiday season.As always, we will continue to share updates with you throughout this closure via email and social media.

Please direct any additional questions to Ashley Kotai, General Manager ashley.kotai@kamloopsy.ca

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2, 2021

As of October 24, 2021 all patrons that enter the Kamloops Y are required to be fully vaccinated (2 doses) against Covid-19.

Fans – fans may be used throughout the facility, in the studios and weight room/cardio room and hand dryers/hair dryers.
Cleaning of equipment – members may clean (and put away) their own equipment before and after use, using the wet wipes provided. Additional high touch cleaning is done by staff throughout the day.
Class sizes – are slowly returning to pre-Covid numbers. Class sizes will vary dependent on room space and class style.
Pre-registration – Not mandatory but available for all members to save their space
Masks – must be worn in common areas of the facility but can be removed when exercising. Participants should keep them on in the studio until they are in their spot. Swimmers should wear them out to the pool deck and remove before getting in the water.
Sauna – sauna reopened as of Oct 24 as we can confirm that all users are double vaccinated.
We are working to return weight room orientations as an option for members.

As per the announcement made by Provincial Health on Oct 12, 2021 the BC public mask mandate for all indoor public spaces has now been expanded to include children five and older. This extends to all Kamloops YMCA-YWCA facilities and programs. Masks must be worn in all common areas but may be removed while engaged in physical activity. Further details surrounding the Provincial Mask Order can be found here.

We truly appreciate all of your support and willingness to adapt through these ever changing restrictions, we continue to pivot to meet provincial and regional requirements and to ensure the health and safety of our members, staff and volunteers. All of the information above is subject to change, dependent on changes to Provincial or Regional Health Authorities.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

With the introduction of the BC Vaccine Card throughout the Province this week, Interior Health has rescinded some of the restrictions impacting health and fitness centres. Effective immediately the following updates to the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA health and fitness facility protocols will be made:

Pre-registration for use of the gym, fitness centre and recreational swimming is no longer required.
Pre-registration for dry land group fitness classes, aqua fitness classes and lap lanes will remain available but is not mandatory.
Low intensity fitness class size will increase to normal capacity.
High intensity fitness classes will resume at normal capacity for those who are fully vaccinated (two doses). An updated schedule including high intensity classes is available on our website.
Masks must continue to be worn in the common areas of the facility but may be removed while exercising.
Proof of vaccination must be shown by all facility users 12+, minimum one dose Sept 13-Oct 23, fully vaccinated (two doses) by Oct 24. Details surrounding the BC Vaccine Card Order and proof of vaccination can be found on the BC Provincial Restrictions website.

Class sizes at the John Tod Centre Y have been adjusted accordingly and there may be space available in select classes. Please contact Member Services or access your online account for class availability and to register.

Please continue to be respectful of others personal space and comfort level in returning to the facility. We thank you in advance for your patience and support as we navigate yet another change.