Board Of Public Works and Safety Approves Limited Reopening of YMCA

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The New Albany YMCA reopened its doors to the public, with adjustments being made in order to follow all health department guidelines and ensure a healthy, safe environment.

The YMCA has been implementing new guidelines to help protect users, including touch-free check in, protective barriers at desks, enhanced cleaning procedures, limited capacity, and more. Certain areas and activities within the YMCA will not be available immediately, including showers, saunas, basketball courts, and others.

City officials approved the opening guidelines at Tuesday’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, and will continue to monitor the situation, including the current capacity restrictions. If numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to trend downward, the Board of Public Works and Safety may consider easing current capacity restrictions.

The YMCA is asking all guests to follow these guidelines in order to keep our city healthy and safe:

  • Arrive at the Y dressed to workout. By doing so you reduce touch points and help increase social distancing.

  • Wash/sanitize hands frequently, especially upon entering the Y.

  • Wipe down equipment before and after use.

  • Maintain social distance. Please exercise only on designated equipment and respect all signage regarding social distancing. Strive to maintain at least six feet between you and others whenever possible.

  • Cloth face coverings or masks are recommended for members while in our YMCA facilities.

  • Please do not come to the YMCA if you have a fever, are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who is ill.

More information can be found at https://www.ymcalouisville.org/reopening-guide/membership.html

City Partners with Develop New Albany To Help Businesses Prepare for Safe Reopening

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Like most cities around the country, residents are anxious to get back to their normal daily lives. However, we must recognize and respect the threat that COVID-19 still poses – and that’s why the City of New Albany and our partner main street organization, Develop New Albany (DNA), are preparing “re-opening kits” for local businesses.

“We are cautiously moving forward,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Let’s not forget what we have learned: In public, stay 6 feet apart, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you are sick or if you have symptoms. We can reopen safely if we try.”

City Councilman Jason Applegate agrees. “We are focused on reopening safely, and this was one more thing that we could do to provide assistance to our local business owners and entrepreneurs as they go through this trying time,” he stated.

These re-opening kits will have items that are in extreme demand for businesses as they prepare to re-open. Included in the kit is sanitizer and custom vinyl “social distancing” floor tape. DNA is also working with local business owners to determine specific Personal Protective Equipment needs for their businesses. Special thanks to both Huber’s Winery/Starlight Distillery and Sazerac/Northwest Ordinance Distilling for their assistance in producing the sanitizing products.

The program should allow local business owners the ability to clean, disinfect, and prepare their businesses for a safe re-opening, following all state and federal guidelines.

Businesses interested in receiving a reopening kit and/or PPE should go to https://form.jotform.com/201264233167044 and fill out the request form. Kits will be provided while supplies last.

Caesars Foundation Announces Small Business Loan Program

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An important message from the Caesars Foundation:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, in partnership with One Southern Indiana, and the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, has established the Community and Cultural Relief Loan Program (CaCRLP). The program is intended to provide access to operating capital to specific small businesses, within Clark and Floyd Counties, whose operations and cash flow have been negatively impacted by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Qualified business categories include locally owned and operated bars and restaurants, entertainment venues, boutiques, salons and retail that are not part of a national chain or franchise. 

Funds will be awarded based on demonstrated need and must be used exclusively for overhead and operational expenses (i.e., payroll expenses, rent, utilities). The Caesars Foundation Revolving Loan Committee will determine funding eligibility, review applications and documents, and require details explaining the need and proposed use of funds from the business owner(s).

Deadline to apply is May 6th at 5pm. The full application, as well as eligibility requirements, can be found by clicking HERE.

Indiana's Stay At Home Order Extended Until May 1st

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Governor Holcomb has announced an extension to Indiana’s “stay-at-home” order, which originally was set to expire on April 20 at 11:59pm. The order will now remain in place until May 1st. Governor Holcomb is expected to give an official announcement on Monday.

Mayor Jeff Gahan encourages everyone to keep following the stay-at-home order, and continue practicing social distancing and good hygiene to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“It’s important for everyone to keep a good attitude, stay focused, and continue to follow all CDC recommended guidelines, including washing your hands for 20 seconds, remaining 6 feet apart from others, and wearing a face mask in public while making essential trips,” stated Mayor Gahan.

For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit newalbanycityhall.com/covid19