All YMCA memberships will be put on hold and automatic payments will be paused until facilities re-open

Child care centres will remain open, and spring break camps will stay open until the end of the week

All gyms, fitness centres, pools and facilities will be closed starting on Tuesday

Vancouver (NEWS 1130) — Getting your ‘sweat on’ at the YMCA isn’t going to be an option for you starting Tuesday.

The charity has announced it is closing down all of its health, fitness and aquatic centers in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Sunshine Coast until further notice.

Greater Vancouver YMCA Vice President of Marketing, Kelly Walker Schobel, says their over 70 child care centers will remain open for the time being.

“As a health-oriented charity, the safety of the children and families in our care, as well as our staff and volunteers is always our top priority. We’re following the advice of government and public health agencies, and are paying very close attention to the daily updates,” said Schobel.

Schobel says no date has been set yet for a possible reopening of their centers.

“In the meantime, we are — as a social charity — looking for ways that we can find ways to, rather than social distance, how we can physically distance ourselves during COVID-19, while still finding ways to socially connect,” said Schobel.

The YMCA is asking its roughly 120,000 users in the region to take part in an online survey to discuss alternative ways for people to keep fit and active during the pandemic.

1,100 staff members will be paid for the next two weeks.