At the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, we pride ourselves on providing a safe environment for all of our members and visitors. The YMCA uses best practices and industry standards when it comes to keeping our facilities, branches, child care and program centers sanitary.

In light of the recent reports about the H1N1 virus, we will be taking extra precautions, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure our members’ safety. These measures will include:

·       Additional and extra thorough cleaning of all facilities, buses, child care and program centers by our professional cleaning crew.

·      Increasing sanitation wipe downs of all wellness equipment, furniture, toys and other items in all of our facilities, child care and program centers.

·      Continuing to provide sanitary wipes for use by all staff and members

·      Ensuring that all staff, members and children continue to frequently wash their hands. 

We will also ensure that any sick employees stay home and do not come in contact with members or visitors. Additionally, we encourage our members to take similar necessary precautions at home with family and friends.

If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay at home and limit contact with others.

For more information, please pick up an FAQ on swine flu at the front desk or visit www.cdc.gov.

Additional Steps You and Your Family Can Take to Stay Healthy from the Centers for Disease Control:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid contact with sick people.

Practice good habits such as healthy eating, reducing stress and being active.