The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Providing care for the caregivers
2 Lake County YMCA’s will serve as daycares for critical care workers
Multiple Lake County YMCA facilities have shut their doors to typical public operations in order to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, but that hasn’t kept them from helping out.
“Because of the evolving rules governing the coronavirus pandemic, the impact of school closures, and the growing demand on medical professionals, we are transitioning our three Y family centers to support doctors, nurses, technicians, medical staff and other essential workers to caring for their children during this crisis,” said YMCA CEO Dick Bennett.
“We want to make sure medical professionals in our
community don’t have to worry that their children are in a safe place, as they care for a growing number of our loved ones during this difficult time,” he added.
While activities like group exercise classes, sports, senior activities, team practices, youth programs, and swim lessons are temporarily suspended, the Central YMCA in Painesville, 933 Mentor Ave.; and Madison’s East End YMCA, 730 North Lake St.; began temporarily serving as pandemic child care sites for critical care workers from the 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., weekdays.
“The Y is so much more than fitness centers and gyms, pools and locker rooms,” Bennett said. “We are a cause dedicated to strengthening and protecting the spirits, minds, and bodies of our friends and communities.”
The YMCA’s director of marketing and communications, Kelly Penzenik, also detailed extra precautions taken in order to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 with the children that they will be supervising.
“Temps will be taken throughout the day of all children and the number of children per adult is limited to six per grouping,” Penzenik said.
“Extra cleaning measures will happen daily in all areas and each group of six children will be isolated to specific area in the building. We will be following all guidelines put into place by the governor, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, and our county health district.”