Greater Somerset County YMCA will reopen its wellness centers at 25% limited capacity at 5 a.m. tomorrow, Sept. 1, to coincide with Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 181 regarding N.J. gyms and fitness centers.
The reopening will include the wellness centers at Hillsborough YMCA, Somerset Hills YMCA, and Somerville YMCA. All wellness centers will be open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends.
All YMCA facilities will be available for member use by appointment only, which can be scheduled in advance on the Y’s website.
State protocols for reopening include: equipment must be six feet apart, masks must be worn at all times in the facility, and gyms must keep a log of members and staff for contact tracing purposes in the event of COVID-19 exposure.
“We’ve seen firsthand how hard this health crisis has hit our community – mentally, financially and physically – and while we’ve been able to offer virtual and outdoor fitness options for our members, we are beyond thrilled to welcome more of our members back in person,” Greater Somerset County YMCA President and CEO David M. Carcieri said in a prepared statement on Aug. 31. “The Y has always been committed to our community’s health and wellness needs, and we’re ready to take this next step toward new normal while making the necessary changes to support a safe and enjoyable experience for all who walk through our doors.”
Since the Y closed its doors on March 16 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its facilities and wellness staff have continued to work closely with health experts and state and local officials to ensure each facility meets all standards for hygiene and safety, according to the statement.
The Y has modified its policies and programs to facilitate safe physical/social distancing practices in accordance with state guidelines, and has been successfully providing outdoor group fitness, personal training and lap swim options at limited capacity since early July.
Regular cleaning of the facilities and equipment will take place every hour, according to the statement.
For more information about the Y’s indoor fitness reopening, visit www.gscymca.org/wellness-reopening
