POSTED: MAY 21, 2021
This week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued new masking guidelines for fully vaccinated people and relaxed capacity limits for businesses. In response, we will begin rolling out new masking and vaccination policies for classes held at the studio.
As many of you know, due to attendance restrictions, we are unable to admit everyone who wants to take a class. The changes will allow us to increase class sizes — a significant step towards fully re-opening Living Yoga.
The new policies are explained below. Please reach out to us if you still have questions about how these changes will impact you.
May 19: Masks Optional For Those Fully Vaccinated
Starting May 19, those who are fully vaccinated will have the option to practice in the studio with or without a mask. Proof of vaccination will be required before you may remove your mask.
According to the CDC, it is safe for those who are fully vaccinated to be unmasked while doing indoor fitness activities. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you will still be required to wear a mask at all times while inside the studio.
June 1: In-Studio Classes Restricted to Those Fully Vaccinated
State health guidelines currently require yoga mats to be spaced 6 feet apart, forcing us to cap classes at 7 students. As a result, many classes are often waitlisted, filling up days in advance.
The 6 feet rule, however, does not apply when everyone is fully vaccinated. Beginning June 1, we will require students to present proof of vaccination in order to take classes in the studio.
Please contact us to request a medical or religious exemption. Those who are not yet fully vaccinated are encouraged to take classes via the livestream or sign up for our outdoor classes in Forest Park.
We hope this will only be a temporary requirement. We anticipate that when the vaccinated population in New York City reaches critical mass, all remaining COVID restrictions, including the 6 feet rule, will be rescinded.
Proof of Vaccination
There are several ways to demonstrate you are fully vaccinated:
- Vaccination card showing the dates you received your shot;
- Any other official government document (electronic or paper) that indicates you are fully vaccinated;
- Excelsior Pass — a mobile app created by the state which issues a vaccine passport for those who are fully vaccinated.
Once you show us your proof of vaccination, we will place a note on your account indicating you have satisfied the requirement. That way, it will not be necessary to bring your records with you every time you come to a class.
Where to Get Vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is free, easy, and no longer require making an appointment ahead of time. Click here to find a vaccination site near you.
Please get vaccinated so you can continue taking classes at the studio. Depending on the type of vaccine you receive, it may take 2 – 5 weeks or more for you to become fully vaccinated.
There are many people in our community who want to get vaccinated but are unable to because of certain medical conditions. They rely on the rest of us to get vaccinated so that they can become protected from the coronavirus through herd immunity.
Let’s practice ahimsa by doing our part to protect the most vulnerable among us. Please vax up!