Covid-19 Communication #6
To Spa Members,
May 21, 2020
Well, by now I am sure you are all aware the Gov. Cooper’s Phase 2 plan to reopen the State of North Carolina did not include gyms and fitness centers. This was disappointing to me and probably to you also especially when you consider the other venues that were approved to reopen with restrictions. I believe strongly that fitness centers such as The Spa play an important role in the mental and physical health of individuals. Many of you have voiced the same belief to me throughout this Covid-19 shutdown period.
The Spa is ready to open and I am convinced we can do this while also protecting our members. Last month in Covid-19 Communication #5, I outlined a three-phase plan to reopen The Spa. The specific guidelines under Phase 1 of our reopen plan have been completed and are ready to be implemented. I will communicate those specific guidelines to you when we are given the authority to reopen.
Last month I made the decision not to charge membership dues for the month of May with anticipation we would reopen on May 23rd. Now circumstances have changed. However, I will not charge membership dues for the month of June. As you can imagine, this puts a financial burden on The Spa to maintain the facility and the staff. If you would like to pay your June membership dues, you can send a check or money order to: The Spa Athletic Club, 920 2nd Avenue NW, Hickory, N.C. 28601. If your membership dues are on automatic draft, you can send me a text message on The Spa website authorizing the draft for June. It would certainly be appreciated and used wisely.
This virus situation has certainly been tough on The Spa Family trying to keep a good attitude while handling all the challenges during this uncertain and unusual period in our nation’s history. But we know that if we stick together and with God’s help, we will survive this difficult time. There will be brighter days ahead and our nation will once again prosper. I look forward to when we can fellowship together face-to-face.
God Bless,
Butch Stewart
Covid-19 Communication #5
To Spa Members,
May 4, 2020
As of this writing, the number of positive Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in Catawba County has begun to level off and we should start to see an encouraging downward trend. According to the Governor’s reopening plan, Phase 1 will start May 9th with Phase 2 starting May 23rd when gyms are scheduled to reopen. Of course these dates may change based on Covid-19 trend analysis and statistics. Below is a projected plan for The Spa to reopen.
Phase I – May 23 – Restrictions/Controls
- Medical screening of all members entering The Spa.
- Restriction on the number of members entering The Spa.
- Manage equipment and space for safe distancing.
- Encourage high-risk members and members with underlying medical conditions to use personal protective equipment.
- Take extra sanitation measures throughout The Spa and require members to wipe off equipment before and after use with provided sanitary wipes.
- Limit the number of members in confined spaces.
- Child watch area closed.
Phase II – June 6 – Limited Restrictions
- Manage equipment and space for safe distancing.
- Voluntary use of personal protective equipment.
- Take extra sanitation measures throughout The Spa and require members to wipe off equipment before and after use with provided sanitary wipes.
- Child watch area open
Phase III – June 23 – The New Normal
- Encourage the practice of safe distancing.
- Continue sanitation measures throughout the Spa and require members to wipe off equipment before and after use with provided sanitary wipes.
- Child watch area opens.
The measures taken in our reopening is important to our #1 concern, the health and welfare of our Spa family members. As we go through this reopening process, I ask that all Spa members treat each other with respect, consideration, and patience. The management staff will monitor restrictions and controls and will ask any member to leave the Spa if they refuse to abide by the guidelines, or are determined by management to be a threat to the health and welfare of Spa members.
As I mentioned in a previous communication, we have been busy with maintenance renovations to the Spa with major attention given to the wet areas. I hope you like what you see when you return. Also, membership dues will not be charged for the month of May.
I am so looking forward to when we can be together again!
Butch Stewart
Covid-19 Communication #4
To Spa Members,
April 14, 2020
As all of you know by now, The Spa has been closed as of 5 pm, March 25 in compliance with the Governor’s order in an effort to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The closing was for an indefinite period although expectations were that we might reopen sometime during the month of April
Although some progress has been made in the spread of COVID-19, it still remains of major concern and there is still no definite time when The Spa will reopen. If we are not open by May 1st, it is my decision to suspend monthly membership dues as of May 1st until The Spa reopens.
During this shutdown period, I have been working on making maintenance improvements to The Spa facilities. I have also applied for government grants and loans to keep the staff and trainers paid so that we are ready for you when you return.
The Spa staff misses you very much. You don’t realize how much until the fellowship is taken away from you. Please be safe and we’ll see you soon!
Butch Stewart
Covid-19 Communication #3
To Spa Members,
March 24, 2020
Most of you are probably aware that the Governor of North Carolina has issued an executive order that all gyms close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 25 for an indefinite period of time to further combat the Covid-19 virus.
Up to this point, we have kept the Spa open to our members as long as possible with the expectation that we might be ordered to close as an extra effort to limit possible exposure to the virus.
It appears that directives on a national, state, and local level change on a daily basis. We will continue to monitor the situation and reopen the Spa at the earliest possible time.
In the meantime, please access our website at “thespaathleticclub.com” for further developments and announcements. We will also continue to post notices on the Spa front door.
We will get through this together. God bless America!
Butch Stewart
Covid-19 Communication #2
To Spa Members,
March 16, 2020
The Covid-19 or “Coronavirus” as it is more commonly known has everyone concerned and our governing bodies along with medical and private organizations have taken action to limit exposure to the public.
The Spa Athletic Club will comply with all national, state, and local directives. In the meantime, we ask for your cooperation to take the following responsible precautions:
• Wipe off equipment before and after use.
• If you have a persistent sneeze or cough, please do not come to The Spa. This applies to dependent children as well.
• If you or an immediate family member is diagnosed positive for the Covid-19 virus, please contact The Spa management or your personal trainer immediately.
We have given instruction to our contracted cleaning service to take extra care when cleaning The Spa each evening in order to give our Spa Family as much protection as possible.
At this time, The Spa will remain open at regular hours and all programs will be offered as scheduled unless there are further developments that may put our members at increased risk.
In closing, continue to be concerned, act responsibly, and keep calm.
This too shall pass!
Butch Stewart
Covid-19 Communication #1
To Spa Members
March 17, 2020
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued guidelines that recommended the cancellation or postponement of gatherings of 50 people or more for the next 8 weeks. This led to the cancellation of major national, state, and local events announced last week.
With an increased effort for containment of the virus and to reduce the spike in diagnosed infections, government officials and medical professionals are now recommending more aggressive restrictions to gatherings of no more than 10 people. Some organizations have already implemented those recommendations.
The Spa Athletic Club will take the following preventive restrictions effective Thursday, March 19 until further notice.
- All group fitness classes in the aerobic and pool areas will be suspended.
- Child Watch will be suspended.
- Only Spa members will be allowed in the Spa.
To further protect your personal health, I ask that you voluntarily postpone your workout routine for the next 14 days. Your patience and understanding during this unusual and critical period are very much appreciated.
Butch Stewart