THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp lifted the shelter in place order for people 65 years and older last week, as long as they don’t have chronic or underlying health conditions and do not live in a long term care facility.
The YMCA on Dawson Street is starting to see more and more people 65 years and older walking through the doors.
Tom Everett, the CEO of the Thomasville YMCA, says seniors tend to be more isolated and having the restrictions lifted will do a lot, not just for their physical health but also mentally.
Besides temperature checks, the YMCA has doubled down on cleaning measures and members are continuing social distancing rules.
Everett says they are taking a phased in approach to reopening.
“The majority of the facility has re-opened with the exception of the basketball gym and racquetball courts, and sauna and steam room, and hot tub," said Everett. "Those kind of areas. We still have restrictions in place there.”
For member Brenda Thomson, Tuesday was her first day back to the YMCA, a really big moment for the 66-year-old.
“I returned two times before and didn’t leave past the front desk," Thomson said. "And last week I turned 66 and I was sort of miffed at myself that I hadn’t really come back.”
Everett says they are asking members to wipe down equipment before they use it and after they’re done.
