All YMCA of Greater Birmingham locations closed their doors Monday night. This morning, they reopened to provide emergency childcare for healthcare workers and first responders who don’t have childcare during the coronavirus outbreak in the Birmingham area.

Employers will identify employees who qualify for the service and refer them to the YMCA. The YMCA is working with four local hospitals.

The service is not open to the public and is intended for first responders and healthcare workers who truly have no options, said YMCA President and CEO Dan Pile.

“It’s hard to fathom a hospital or medical provider not having staff because of a lack of childcare,” Pile said. “We want to serve those who have no other options. Reflecting our Judeo-Christian values, we feel compelled that it’s our job to care for the caretakers.”

Services will prioritize employees who provide critical services.

Childcare will cost $20 per day with a price reduction for each additional child. However, Pile said no one will be turned away based on their ability to pay.

Pile said 180 YMCA employees will be working to take care of kids. He said those employees will be paid. With those workers and facilities, the YMCA is prepared provide care for 800-900 children, he said. However, he doesn’t expect to care for that many.

Pile urged members to keep their YMCA accounts active even while they cannot access services and facilities at the YMCA.

Pile urged members to keep t even while they cannot access services and facilities at the YMCA.YMCA membership. Closure for any length of time represents a significant threat to meet these emergency services. Your membership with the YMCA will go a long way to fund our efforts to serve our healthcare workers during this crisis,” he said in a letter to members.

All public schools are closed.

Effective Wednesday, in Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Blount, St. Clair and Shelby counties, all private schools, pre-school and child care centers with more than 12 students must close until April 6, Gov. Kay Ivey ordered Tuesday morning.

First responders and healthcare workers who want more information should send email to dpile@ymcabham.org.