COVID Files #10: 5/22/20

Hello Members and Friends - 

Wednesday was a step forward for Connecticut with Phase 1 businesses re-opening. Restaurants, shops, malls, and some offices were free to start conducting business within the guidelines set forth by the federal and state governments. 

According to Governor Lamont, Phase 2 of Connecticut’s reopening process is slotted for June 20th. Gyms currently fall into the Phase 2 category and therefore we are hopeful about the prospect of being able to resume operations at NYA close to that date (should it stick). It’s been made clear that Phase 2 is dependent on the success of Phase 1, so we understand the June 20th date is a “best case scenario” and we are monitoring the updates to plan accordingly.

One thing we know for sure is that when we are able to open our doors, things are going to look different from what they were before. No surprise here, but it’s important to clarify and emphasize the importance of patience as we all get used to the “new normal” together. The health and safety of our staff, members, and community are of the upmost importance and consideration. Our updated policies and procedures will be consistent with State and Federal guidelines and we will need your support and flexibility in embracing these.

What makes NYA so unique is the wide range of activities we offer. Many of these activities, like camps, Kidzcare, pickleball, tennis, and team sports fall into other categories of reopening. This makes our reopening process a little more complex. We are continuing to evaluate, consult, and plan different scenarios of operations that; keep people safe, are compliant, and financially stable. Part of the benefit of being in Phase 2 is seeing the wins and challenges that Phase 1 experiences. Therefore, our plans are fluid and we will release details as we get closer to the date of reopening.

We also know that there are many questions about memberships and how that all plays out financially. We took swift action at the beginning of this thing by freezing all billing and are working out what this will look like when we reopen under the new guidelines. Truthfully, it’s not easy. Like so many businesses and organizations out there, we’ve been hit really hard by the pandemic. We rely heavily on our membership base to fund our non-profit mission and we haven’t had that for two and a half months. We need our members now more than ever to help us come out of all this the best we can. We understand that is reciprocal and that there are many individuals who have been heavily impacted by this situation and need our help. I am confident that together we will help each other out with an open heart and open mind. 

I look forward to continuing to send updates with more details as we get closer to Phase 2. So, for now, continue to stay safe and well. We all bear responsibility in the success of the reopening phases through our own awareness and consideration for others. 

Stay active and be well!

Yours in good health,

Ian Yorty  

Executive Director