To Our Connection Community,

This week marked changes across our state and nation that represent significant progress for the State of New Jersey—and The Connection. Beginning tomorrow Friday, May 28, in accordance with the CDC, Governor’s executive orders, and NJ Department of Health, the following will apply to our classes and programs:

• If you are a fully vaccinated* adult or youth, you are welcome to wear a mask but it is no longer required. You will not be asked to provide proof of a vaccination.
• If you are not fully vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing to protect yourself and those around you.
• Youth 11 years and younger are required to continue wearing a mask.
• When working with youth, our staff will wear masks regardless of their vaccination status.
• Summer camps, after school and preschool are subject to different state regulations. We will provide separate guidance as appropriate.

As we have throughout the pandemic, we will rely on the responsible and respectful actions of our caring community as we make this transition. Even though we are not legally required to stay 6′ socially distanced from one another, we will continue to practice distancing as much as possible for the time being to help ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. Some of the staff have shared that they plan to continue wearing a mask even though they are fully vaccinated and I expect there will be members who will make the same decision. I have always been proud of our nonjudgmental culture and am confident we will be supportive of one another’s choices.

In order to ease this period of transition, we will continue to conduct health screenings and temperature checks at the entrance and the staff will continue completing a health questionnaire before coming to work. While I recognize the process is cumbersome, it gives each of us an opportunity to attest that we are well and for the mid- or unvaccinated, to verify we have not been exposed to the virus.  Please remain at home even if you are only slightly unwell, and participate in a live Zoom class or access our library of fitness classes until you are able to return.

We will remain vigilant in our commitment to cleaning and disinfecting and our actions to increase air flow remain in place (accelerated replacement of air filters, installation of air purification units, windows open, etc.).

We are grateful to participants in our aquatic programs, especially our lap swimmers, who have been exceedingly patient with the many restrictions placed on us by the NJ Dept. of Health. We will be opening the locker rooms and expanding capacity shortly.

The staff and I eagerly look forward to seeing more members in the building (or at our outside classes). For those of you who have been participating and/or supporting us throughout this long ordeal, I cannot begin to express my deep appreciation for your kindness, patience, and generosity.  The movement of our state and nation aside, you consistently help us move The Connection forward, and I am so grateful to be part of this community with you.

Gratefully,