Governor Ralph Northam announced on Tuesday, June 3 that he would move the portion of the Commonwealth that includes Tidewater into Phase 2 of reopening effective Friday, June 5.
With his announcement, the Simon Family JCC made final preparations to open its doors—with an abundance of new safety and sanitizing procedures in place.
“We are excited to officially welcome our members back to the Simon Family JCC,” says Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president/CEO.
“As we begin the process of welcoming everyone back, we will continue to communicate our new procedures for registering for classes, fitness, and pool times,” says Levin, noting that the Center is adhering to all Virginia-mandated guidelines, as well as CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the end of March when the JCC, along with all fitness centers, schools, and religious institutions, as well as most businesses, were forced to close their physical doors, the Center’s staff worked to prepare for the reopening.
In addition to installing hand sanitizing stations throughout the building, thoroughly cleaning all aspects of the facility, and removing furniture that might harbor germs, the staff developed a set of protocols to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. Those protocols include checking temperatures of people entering the building, requiring masks, limiting class sizes, and requiring registration for classes, fitness time, and other activities.
Throughout April and May, the JCC’s instructors and physical trainers continued to work with members first through virtual fitness opportunities, and then, with outdoor classes and training. Virtual cultural, children, and family programs continue to expand nearly every day.
“We have been thrilled with the popularity of our new offerings and plan to continue to include these programs for our members for the foreseeable future,” says Levin.