Editor’s Note: The requirement for indoor masks is not a new policy. We are simply following the measures that we have had in place since late winter to coincide with CDC metrics. It’s simple and straight forward— indoor masks are optional unless the CDC ranks Hancock County as having a “High” community level of Covid, at which point they are required. When that rating reverts back to “Low” or “Medium,” indoor masks will once again be optional.

As most of you know, the CDC currently classifies Hancock County as having a “High” level of Covid-19 (up from “Low” the prior week).  When the CDC implemented their new metrics and rating system in early March, The Neighborhood House adopted the policy of masking being optional except during times of a High classification. Therefore, so long as the CDC continues to rank Hancock County as high, masks are required for all indoor activities.

We realize people have a wide array of opinions on this topic, and the shift back to masking indoors (hopefully just for a short while) can be maddening. The CDC publishes their updated data at the end of each week, and when/if the ranking for Hancock County is changed to Medium or Low, masks will once again be optional. In the meantime, please be respectful of our policy and know that it is not up for negotiation. We’re just as frustrated as you are that this is still something we have to deal with and adapt to, but we feel it’s important to be consistent, transparent, and communicative.

If you have a current gym membership and do not want to wear a mask during your workout, we are happy to pause your membership for you. We can also refund you the pro-rated portion of the remainder of your membership of you choose. During this period of a “high” ranking, masks are also required during all in-person classes.

You can view the CDC data here.