I know the last 7 weeks have been difficult for us all. We share in this experience collectively, yet, we each have had a uniquely different situation unfold, all out of our control. This time of reflection has provided ever more clarity that what we do, our offering to our community, is of dire importance.

We are now, more than ever, committed to our offering and grateful for our opportunity to do so. We will weather this storm together and emerge with more gratitude and reverence for our everyday gifts. The discipline and connection we have maintained in the virtual studio has been tremendously impactful and beneficial.

Yet, as an avid practitioner, I miss taking classes in the studio, as a company, we miss the magic we create there. As a society, we only thrive when we actively participate, and your active participation enhances not just your mental and physical health, but the well being of our community at large.

It's not always easy to roll out your mat, but when you do, you, and those around you, are better for it. Keep rolling out your mat, every day, as we work to rebuild our lives. 💪  

While we've kept the threads of our community strong through the virtual studio, we have been developing a plan to reopen - in the safest way possible.

Gateway Data Informing Re-Opening Strategy

We have been diligently reviewing local, state, and federal policies alongside the advice of the scientific community to help drive our decision of when and how to reopen.

We have been participating in Gainesville's weekly town hall phone calls with Mayor Lauren Poe, Alachua County Chairman Robert Hutchinson, Community Physician Dr. Lisa Chacko and Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Eric Godet.

We've been leading Yoga Pod network wide reopening strategies in cities around the country, each affected slightly differently, and seeking every type of advice to create a studio environment as safe as possible to return to. 

Our collective safety is of utmost importance, and we will not ask anything of you or our staff, that we would not do or be comfortable with ourselves. 

There are a few key indicators of the health of our city that will help drive our ability to reopen the studio and the local economy at large, albeit slowly, methodically, and with safety as the priority. 

2 key indicators that show we can begin the conversation of a near future opening.

• Our local hospitals have ample capacity, both in available beds and ventilators to assist COVID and flu-like related illnesses. We live in one of the most progressive and enhanced regions in the world when it comes to medical care and access. We are fortunate Gainesville is a healthcare hub, and this is shown in our local COVID related statistics. 
• Increased testing capabilities and access for both COVID-19 & antibody testing.
  • Increased COVID-19 testing availability: Alachua County Health Department is now offering COVID-19 testing for Alachua County residents, even if they are not showing any symptoms. If you would like to get a COVID-19 test done call 352-334-8810 for an appointment. A referral from a doctor is no longer required. The county says that if your insurance covers this, it will be billed and no co-pay is required. If not, it is free.
  • Increased antibody testing availability: Life South is offering antibody testing to anyone who wishes to get one. The cost is $50, by appointment only, call 352-224-1724 for scheduling. 

Multi-Phase Re-Opening Strategy

Our multi-phased roll out will be triggered by local and state reopening policies, scientific data, and our internal intuition.

As soon as we can share immediate changes and updates, we will, but please know that there are moments where uncertainty is our only option. Within this uncertainty, we want to communicate to our best ability, what we are planning.

• Phases to Reopen:

  • Phase 1 (est. May 11th): Management team will run the virtual front desk from the studio. As you have seen, we have a leadership team member working from open to close of our virtual studio to support you. You will start seeing the team work from inside the studio. 

  • Phase 2 (est. May 15th): Open retail boutique (TBD which locations and hours). In accordance with Florida's restricted reopening, we will open our retail boutique on a limited basis. Come and grab a mat or something fresh to wear to change out of those quarantine pajamas. 

  • Phase 3 (est. May 18th): Teachers will begin to livestream virtual classes from the studio. You will begin to be able to experience being in the studio, from home. (No students in the studio yet, just teachers broadcasting to you.)

  • Phase 4 (est. June 1st): Provide both a virtual and in person studio at a limited capacity dictated by both data-driven science, physical distancing requirements, and governmental restrictions (TBD which locations and hours). 

*We will provide greater detail for each phase as we are able and as we approach each above date* 

Thank You

We always point back to our why. We must revisit our why, and understand that we are here to provide an imperative resource for our community. We all understand the benefits of what we do, and that is a needed gift.

Your support during this time has been nothing short of miraculous. We have been able to maintain a robust online schedule with amazing teachers, keep our leadership team working, all while keeping an eye on the future.

Nothing can replace the magic of our studios, and we are hyper-focused on ensuring the studio returns to the safest environment possible, a crucial requirement to once again cultivate that magic.

We appreciate your understanding that all things are on the table to be modified or adjusted, and know that any decision we make can be changed at the drop of a hat, depending on what's right for the community, the studio or what is mandated by the state. 

We are deeply thankful for you, for your support, and participation in our collective process to reclaim what we once had. 

Excited to see you in person, soon.

With optimism, health, and love, 

- Alex, Dan, Rachel and the entire APEX | yoga pod team

Please text us at our studio number (352) 792-6373 if you have any questions. We love you Gainesville 🙏