Upcoming masking changes at our Y

As we enter a new era of the pandemic and the removal of the statewide mask mandate, I am writing to share our vision for moving forward together as a Y and as a community. 

These past two years have been excruciatingly difficult for everyone: for our Y members, our Y staff, and our greater Skagit community. As we move forward into the next phase of the pandemic, we will need our relationships and interactions to continue to be filled with grace, care, and respect. These values are reflected in our Y’s Code of Conduct, and central to everything we do. We realize there are a vast range of perspectives within our Y family, AND our Y is a place of acceptance and respect for all who come through our doors. It takes all of us to make this a reality. 

Throughout the pandemic, our Y has followed state mandates and the guidance of our Skagit Public Health office. As we enter the next phase of the pandemic, we will continue to follow the direction and data shared by these local and state experts. The latest data provided by the CDC, the WA Department of Health, and our own Public Health data indicate that Skagit County is now in the “low risk” category for Covid-19 transmission and infection (based on new cases, hospitalization rate, and bed availability). Additionally, Governor Jay Inslee has announced that the statewide mask mandate will be lifted on March 12, 2022. 

Here’s what will happen at our Hoag Road facility starting Saturday, March 12: 

• Masks will be optional for all members, guests, and staff. While masks will no longer be required while using our facilities, we encourage you to continue wearing one if it is in the best interest of your personal health. 
• We are taking steps to ensure that those who continue to wear masks can feel safe while at the Y. By March 12, we will have added additional space surrounding certain cardio equipment to allow for additional distancing. Our cable weighted machines are already spaced 6 feet apart. 
• As is always the case, our staff understands this is a challenging time and will be sensitive and respectful of all members and their masking choices. We ask that members also be respectful of staff’s masking choices in return. 

Masks will still be required up until March 12, so please continue wearing your mask until then. Our amazing staff have a challenging job enforcing these guidelines, so we appreciate you continuing to mask until the mandate is lifted. 

We are one Y serving one Skagit. May we continue to listen to one another with empathy and treat one another with respect.  

With Gratitude, 

Dean Snider, CEO