Allegheny YMCA closed due to COVID-19 outbreak in housing unit

PITTSBURGH — The Allegheny YMCA has been close due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the men’s housing unit on Saturday.

The organization closed the building to the public while patients are quarantining.

“We expect to be closed for at least two weeks and will share updates as appropriate,” the YMCA said in a Facebook post. “We regret the inconvenience caused to our membership and thank you for your continued support of the men in the housing program and the staff who will be assisting them through this period.”

The organization also encourages members to use other branches of the YMCA in the Pittsburgh area.

“We wish our residents and everyone currently battling the Coronavirus, a speedy and complete recovery,” the statement said.

The organization said 77 men are now under quarantine and the YMCA is working with the Allegheny County Health Department to quarantine the residents of the housing program and support them with food and other necessities throughout their quarantine.

412 Food Rescue and Scratch & Co. donated food to the residents.

The organization is also asking for donations to help: follow the Allegheny Y on Facebook for the latest updates and needs, click here to visit the Amazon wish list created for the men, and click here  to provide financial support for all the additional expenses necessary to keep the men and staff safe.

“For almost 100 years, the Allegheny Y has been a safe haven for low-income working men seeking housing and community. And for more than 14 months we were able to keep the worst effects of the pandemic at bay. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus has now crept in and the quarantine has placed a significant financial burden on both the men and the YMCA. Confined to their individual rooms for 24 hours a day and only allowed out to use the bathroom, it is essential that we provide meals, snacks, WiFi, tablets, laptops, rental assistance for those who have no income, and 24 hour security for everyone.”

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