NC Alliance of YMCAs tests efficacy of health protocols, identifies bright spots with low case rates

In 1,008,561 visits to 96 YMCA locations across North Carolina in December and January, only 38 cases of COVID were reported to the YMCA—a positivity rate of .0038% compared to .0045% reported between September and November 2020.

To test the efficacy of NC YMCAS’ health protocols statewide, the NC Alliance of YMCAs began recording cases of COVID-19 reported to its YMCAs in September 2020. According to its most recent study, the Alliance announced a decrease in cases reported to YMCAs between December 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021 compared to a study conducted in the fall. 

North Carolina’s YMCAs are dedicated to ensuring the safety of employees and members by meeting or exceeding the guidelines and recommendations of our state and local health experts, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“The study shows that our Ys’ efforts to maintain safety and sanitation in our facilities is working,” said Sherée Vodicka, CEO of the NC Alliance of YMCAs. “Even as our state faced its highest COVID numbers, the Ys successfully minimized COVID cases by adhering to strict protocols. We are grateful to our members who have partnered with us to wear masks indoors, practice social distancing and keep hands and surfaces clean. Together, we are protecting each other and keeping Ys open for business.”

The study, which found no clusters in YMCA fitness centers in either study, is a bright spot considering the Y’s struggle to balance substantial revenue losses with an unprecedented demand for critical services.

In addition to providing community members with opportunities for exercise to maintain and improve their health, NC YMCAs have provided remote learning support for nearly 9,700 children at 129 sites, served or delivered more than 835,000 meals to those in need, and made nearly 90,000 wellness checks on seniors and others at risk since the start of the pandemic.

(Feb. 25, 2021)