A message from Kyle Stewart, Executive Director of the Alliance of New York State YMCAs

The Alliance of New York State YMCAs would like to thank Governor Cuomo and his advisors for following the data and recognizing that gyms are one of the safest places to be during this pandemic. We also need to applaud our local YMCAs, their staff, volunteers, and members for diligently adhering to the state’s protocols.

The safety of our communities is paramount for all YMCAs. Since September, over 1.1 million visits have been logged at YMCAs across New York State with a positivity rate of just .003%, far less than the statewide positivity rate for gyms at .06%.

We continue to be grateful for the efforts of YMCAs to keep their communities safe. We are hope that the Governor’s endorsement of gyms as a safe place, will encourage New Yorkers to return to their local Y and reactivate their healthy lifestyles.

Since reopening in September, visits to the Y have decreased more than 70%. This decrease leaves us concerned for the future health and well-being of the communities we serve, as well as the sustainability of YMCAs.

We appreciate the continued support of our communities, and we look forward to welcoming our friends and members back to the Y.