Local Wellness Centers lift mask requirements, expand hours

Manchester Wellness Center, located behind Riverside School at 710 E. Main

On February 25, the CDC rescinded mask-wearing recommendations for most of the country, and specifically in areas with low or medium COVID-19 community levels. In accordance with the updated guidance, mask-wearing has become optional for all members and staff using Chelsea, Dexter and Stockbridge Wellness Centers, beginning on Thursday, March 3.

The Manchester Wellness Center, located behind Riverside Intermediate School, also has adjusted its recommendations for members using the fitness equipment and taking classes. Masks are encouraged but not required for members. Staff will continue to wear masks to maintain safety for all who use the facility.

“We are still cleaning well beyond the recommended standards,” said Kimmy, director at Manchester Wellness Center. “We want to keep our facility safe and clean for all of our members!”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) which operates the Chelsea, Dexter, and Stockbridge wellness centers, followed the guidance of the CDC, as well as local, state and county authorities as it relates to keeping their staff and members as safe as possible, as has the MWC, which is operated by Manchester Community Schools.

Both the 5HF and the MWC recommend that members continue wearing masks if they are immunocompromised or concerned about possible COVID-19 transmission while exercising. This face mask policy change may remain indefinitely, but everyone should also realize that this Pandemic may not be over and new masking policies may need to be reenacted in the future.

If you’ve been out of the routine of regular physical activity, it’s a good time to get moving again!

Further guidance issued by the CDC advises individuals who are immunocompromised, or at high risk for severe disease, to seek advice from their doctor about whether to wear a mask, or to take other precautions in indoor public settings. The Chelsea Wellness Center will continue to provide a dedicated workout area with generously spaced equipment, for those that are immunocompromised, or are uncomfortable using other areas of the building.

The Manchester Wellness Center has adequately-spaced equipment, Kimmy added, but there is no space for a “designated area” for those who are immunocompromised. For that reason, the staff will remain masked for the present time and members who are comfortable remaining masked are encouraged to do so. Hours at the center have expanded, from 6 am – 1 pm and 3 – 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 7 am – noon Saturday. Students are welcome to join with a parent signature recognizing liability, and the center is also a member of the Silver Sneakers program for senior citizens.

For more information about the Manchester Wellness Center, please call 734.428.9960, or visit https://sites.google.com/mcs.k12.mi.us/manchesterwellnesscenter/home. To learn more about the Chelsea Wellness Center, visit Chelseawellness.org, or call 734.433.0220.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.