Suburban YMCA centers to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination starting in February

The Sage YMCA in Crystal Lake and five other suburban Y centers outside of Cook County will begin requiring visitors to show proof that they've received the COVID-19 vaccination starting in February.

The announcement Monday comes after the city of Chicago and Cook County announced vaccination requirements for fitness centers as well as anywhere food or drink are served, including restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

"Our intention is not to make things difficult for people to come to our centers," the YMCA of Metro Chicago Association said in a statement. "Our intention is to make it as safe as possible to visit our sites. Every time our members walk into a Y location, we want to make sure that they feel confident that we are putting their health and safety first.

"We are a community organization that stands for health and well-being and that means doing everything we can to prevent people from getting the coronavirus. We recognize this is a very contentious issue that is dividing the country right now. But at the end of the day, we HAVE to protect the health and wellness of our members."

The Cook County requirement took effect Monday, affecting YMCA of Metro Chicago Association's eight centers in Chicago and Cook County.

The YMCA of Metro Chicago Association will expand its vaccine requirement starting Feb. 1 to six other centers in neighboring counties, including Elmhurst YMCA, Indian Boundary YMCA in Downers Grove, Fry Family YMCA in Naperville, Foglia YMCA in Lake Zurich, and Hastings Lake YMCA in Lindenhurst.

The requirement applies to anyone 5 or older or to anyone coming in for less than 10 minutes to make a delivery or use the bathroom, according to a news release. Those who have previously received a medical or religious exemption and can show the YMCA staff proof of the exemption can still use the Y centers if they have a negative COVID-19 test.

The requirement also does not apply to children who are participating in an activity organized by a K-12 school or if they are participating in a YMCA-run after-school, early learning or day care program.