Your J is OPEN!

June 4, 2021

Dear Springfield JCC Members:

We are looking forward to Sunday, June 20 when we begin to relax our COVID-19 policies! While our entire community works to navigate this new phase, we want you to rest assured that we have leaned heavily on our Medical Advisory Committee to help us craft new policies. We feel confident in our approach, which is detailed below.

In this notice are important steps and procedures that we will require our members to follow in order to use our services. Our updated policies are in line with new CDC and Massachusetts guidance, which allow vaccinated members to be unmasked.

I also want to assure you that while we are requiring our members to follow specific protocols, our staff will be following stringent guidelines as well. Just as members, staff who desire to go maskless are required to submit proof of vaccination. The JCC will be closely monitoring this policy through the implementation of JCC Safety Ambassadors, whose sole job is to ensure compliance.

Because the JCC is guided by the mission of nourishing and protecting our community’s wellbeing, we feel it is our responsibility to take actions that emphasize our commitment to public health for ALL of our members — including our tiniest members who aren’t eligible for vaccination yet. We know that you being a part of our community means you understand compromise is sometimes necessary when it comes to the wellbeing of the entire community. The JCC respects and appreciates your commitment to these values, especially during this time.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind you that many who are vaccinated are not ready to be maskless. If you see someone inside the JCC with a mask on, that does not mean they are unvaccinated. Please understand that circumstances vary and approach masked members with kindness.

If you have not yet been vaccinated, we are offering a vaccine clinic to the broader community on Wednesday, June 16 from 3-6 pm at no cost. Please see below for more details. We want to provide you with an opportunity to go maskless, if you haven’t yet had one!

Sam Dubrinsky | CEO, Springfield JCC

——-

May 28, 2021

Dear Springfield JCC Members,

Last week, we asked you to fill out a survey about your comfort-level around the updated guidance issued by Massachusetts in response to new CDC guidelines. We had an overwhelming response to our survey, which provided us with helpful insight into your excitement and reservations. Ninety-six percent of the members who filled out our survey are vaccinated and over 50% of those vaccinated said they are willing to be in a public space without a mask.

In response to your feedback, and with guidance from our Medical Advisory Committee, we are updating our COVID-19 policies and procedures, which will take effect on Sunday, June 20. We understand that each member has unique circumstances that may affect their feelings about the new guidelines. The JCC feels confident in our approach, which is in line with CDC and state guidelines, and we will continue to evaluate and assess protocols as we move through this next — and final — reopening phase together. Below you will find a summary of the new policies, which will be outlined in more detail as we near Sunday, June 20.

We know you are eager to see changes reflected in our policies sooner rather than later. Our community is made up of diverse populations and some of our programs are governed by agencies such as the Department of Public Health and Department of Early Education & Care, which have outlined more stringent requirements, coinciding with the expiration of Massachusetts’ State of Emergency. In an effort to protect our entire community — even our youngest members who are not eligible for vaccination — we will be waiting until June 20 to implement the below.

Please note that these changes do not affect the Early Learning Center, Elementary, or Camp programs. Additionally, the JCC will be carefully monitoring infection rates of the surrounding areas and make changes to the below as needed.

Vaccinated members will be allowed to take off their masks in designated areas, after showing proof of vaccination. Members will provide the JCC with proof of vaccination and will be given a wristband to wear during their time at the J, which allows staff to monitor which members can be maskless.

Unvaccinated members must remain masked at all times inside the JCC and when outdoors at times social distancing cannot be maintained.

Masks are required to be worn by all members as they enter/exit the facility, walk through hallways and common areas, using hallway restrooms, and at all times in locker rooms (unless showering) regardless of vaccination status.

Fitness equipment will all be moved back to the Cybex room, but social distancing is still required in all areas. Only equipment that is six feet apart will be eligible for use and those ineligible will be marked with signage.

Temperature checks and health screenings are no longer required. Though health screenings are no longer required after June 20, we are following the Massachusetts Travel Advisory policy and will require unvaccinated members who have traveled to wait 72 hours after their arrival back in the state before testing out of the 10-day quarantine requirement. For our families with children under the age of 10 participating in youth programs, you will receive communication directly from the director of the program regarding travel policy.

Basketball will resume and pickleball will be expanded, with capacity limits consistent with spacing requirements.

More information on the above will be sent to you over the next few weeks, including how to provide proof of vaccination. We’ll be communicating with you via email, social media and good ol’ fashioned snail mail.

We look forward to this new step in our collective journeys forward.

Thank you,

Sam Dubrinsky, CEO