The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has understandably led to a number of questions about how we can prepare and respond in our local communities. While a number of cases in the United States has caused concerns about public health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to remind us that the imminent risk to the general public remains low at this time.

It is always practical, however, to take precautions against any seasonal illness to remain as healthy as possible. Below, please find information about what the Y is doing to prepare for and prevent Coronavirus, as well as tips for individuals and families.

What we’re doing at the Y:

• Routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces like tables/countertops, doorknobs, fitness equipment, lockers, phones, toys, and other common “high touch” items with family-friendly products.
• Currently, we have enhanced our cleaning protocols to give focused attention to all surfaces, equipment and common areas. We are actively reinforcing the preventative measures outlined by the CDC and ensuring that hand sanitizing stations and wipes to clean equipment continue
• Asking staff who feel symptomatic to stay home, especially if they work directly with children.

What our community can do (per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Remain home with your children if anyone in your immediate family displays symptoms.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid sharing food, utensils, or drinking glasses.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently, including fitness equipment, toys, and keyboards.

The CDC will be providing daily updates and recommendations, as well as additional tips for travelers and people experiencing symptoms, which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

We appreciate your diligence as we learn more about the Coronavirus. We are following the situation closely and will continue to update you as new information becomes available. We are in close communication with YMCAs across the Commonwealth, Y-USA as well as with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Discover Our Teen Center at Tri-Community Family Branch

Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA in Southbridge, MA

With our construction of the Joseph Athanas Youth & Teen Center, we will have a permanent place for our teens to call home. No longer having to move around or cancel meetings due to spacing issues, the teens will:

• Develop a sense of belonging in a space to call their own.
• Schedule more volunteer opportunities to give back to the community.
• Build on their skills and positive personality traits in workshops.
• Be under the watchful eye of a positive role model they can engage with and learn from.

The Y’s cause of strengthening the foundations of community is as relevant today as it has been since our inception. From our rich legacy of committed and passionate volunteers to defining services based on community strengths and needs, to providing access to Y programs, our organization continues to effect positive change.

Teens are passionate about YMCA Programs. Read their letter to the Telegram and Gazette.

Follow the Tri-Community Family Branch on Facebook for updates.

Learn more about the Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA

Talk of the Commonwealth with Hank Stolz featuring YMCA of Central Massachusetts’ Director of Marketing, Sharon Henderson.

Learn about our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA fundraisers: Live Strong – Laugh Hard and Mission In Motion, info about our LIVESTRONG at the Y Program, Summer Camp Registration, and more!

February 2020

Talk of the Commonwealth with Hank Stolz

Monday through Friday 6am-10am

Join Hank Stolz and Ben White for everything going on in the commonwealth of Worcester. If it happens here, you will hear about it! Call and join the show. Every weekday morning its Talk of the Commonwealth and the Worcester Radio network.

Learn more online at:

https://talkofthecommonwealth.com/

http://wcrnradio.com/hosts/