Many of you have reached out lately to ask when we might be open again. I catch myself using the old adage "We don't know what we don't know." Never before have I felt this saying to be more accurate. The ever changing dialog and fluidity of COVID-19 goes on all day, every day. All this is a bit unsettling for businesses as they try to figure out how to navigate something where no manual exists. What we do know is that all businesses starting the re-opening process will be required to have several restrictions in place in order to keep everybody safe, to offer services and to be compliant.
Similarly to the phased approach that both local and the national governments are implementing to reopen, we are working on a multi-phase strategy to re-open the Germantown Athletic Club. Each of the subsequent phases will have fewer restrictions, and our plan is being designed with the health and safety of our members, staff, and community in mind. We will follow all established local, state and federal guidelines and implement our processes based on best practices from health clubs around the world. Some of the procedures will be a bit of trial and error. We will learn and adapt as we see what works and what can be improved by taking a cautionary approach with the goal of not having to shut down again.
We are continuing to create our processes using benchmarks from clubs that are further along in the re-opening process. Our health and fitness industry resources are abundant, but this is a new experience we all figuring out together. The Germantown Athletic Club, as you know it, will be much different when we reopen. We will be restricted to the number of people allowed in areas to ensure safety and social distancing, and we will have to limit workouts to minimize exposure as well as allow as many members the ability to exercise as possible each day. Our cleaning protocols will be visible and frequent, and to minimize touch points, some areas within the Club and programming will not be offered to start. We understand your frustration, fears and uncertainty, or even displeasure with these circumstances. We share many of those same sentiments and ask for your patience and flexibility during this transition. You will receive more communication on the Club's reopening plans as they become clear. Please know and trust that we are working diligently on the details and hope to have more definitive information soon.
As a reminder, your membership has been on hold since we closed the Club on March 16th. The unused portion of your March dues will be credited towards the first future dues draft upon reopening, presumably (and hopefully) in May at the writing of this letter. If we open anytime past the first day of the month, you will only be billed for the prorated portion of the month that we will be open, and not the full month. If, by chance, we have to open later, then everything will push forward accordingly.
Understandably, some of you might feel apprehensive or uncomfortable coming back at this time. If you do feel this way, we will be more than happy to continue to place your membership on freeze, free of charge until a later date.
The uncertainty of COVID-19 has made life challenging in ways we could have never imagined. Our member response has been very positive, and we are grateful for your support. We miss you and look forward to reopening our doors soon.
Phil Rogers
Club Director