September 14, 2021
Good afternoon, YMCA of Greater Rochester Employees,
As you may be aware, on Thursday, September 9, 2021, President Biden announced a new plan to combat COVID-19. As part of that plan, all companies with 100 or more employees will be required to implement mandatory vaccinations or weekly testing. Therefore, effective October 4, 2021, we are requiring all YMCA employees, contract employees, interns and program volunteers to be fully vaccinated or provide a weekly negative COVID-19 test.
As an organization we are committed to the well-being and safety of our community and those we serve, as well as keeping our doors open and staff working. While research shows that vaccinations are the leading public health strategy and best way to stay healthy and keep others safe, we respect personal health situations and personal choices not to vaccinate. Below is an outline of how we will be implementing this new policy.
For those who are fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination must be provided to your location executive or representative. Your vaccination information will be kept confidential and only shared with those who have a business need to know.
For those who would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, vaccines are free and readily available. Monroe County offers vaccinations at many locations. Click here to learn more. For Steuben County locations, click here. Drug stores like CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens offer appointments, as do Urgent Care Centers.
For those who choose not to receive a vaccine or are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated by October 4, 2021, you will need to take a weekly COVID-19 test and submit the results. Monroe County hosts free testing sites six days a week. Click here to learn more and find a location near you. To find other locations near you click here and enter your zip code. Please contact your executive or representative with any questions.
For those who choose not to get vaccinated and do not use a free testing site, you will be responsible for covering the costs of testing. Please see the above links to learn more about locations where testing is free.
While many of you are fully vaccinated, we acknowledge that for others, this may be a difficult decision. Please know that you can reach out to Deanna Rose, Vice President of Human Resources, if you should have any questions or concerns.
We greatly appreciate your support as we navigate the ever-changing realities of COVID-19 and continue to take care of our community, those we serve and each other.
Sincerely,
The YMCA of Greater Rochester Senior Management Team
