CAIRO — The Jackie Robinson Boys & Girls Club will remain closed for the remainder of the summer, the organization stated in a press release.

Club officials held a virtual meeting June 8 to discuss the possibility of reopening the club, which has been closed since March 16, for a truncated summer program that would begin in July. Re-opening the club amid the coronavirus pandemic would come with several strict safety limitations, including serving no more than 30 of the estimated 125 children served each day, with priorities given to the children of essential workers.

Following a lengthy deliberation, the club’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to remain closed for the remainder of the summer program. The club will now focus on preparing to re-open for its afterschool program this fall.

“In the meantime, we are stocking up on masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, wipes and cleaning materials that will also be needed for the opening of the after school program in August,” said club director Stephen Francis. “Our staff are working diligently in continuing to provide program services to club members via virtual engagement.”

Factors considered in the directors’ decision to cancel the summer program include the continued rise of COVID-19 cases in Grady County, the services the club provides to the community and the overall safety of club members and staff, the press release states.

“The number one concern of the JRBGC Board of Directors is the safety of our club members and staff,” said Charles Renaud, one of the board’s inaugural members. “We are all still learning. It is a process.”

Club facilities are currently in the process of being cleaned, disinfected and sanitized. Protective shields will be put in place and floors and carpets will be cleaned and buffed. The club is also looking at the cost of replacing water fountains, sinks, toilets and urinals with “touchless” fixtures.

A safety preparedness plan for the club’s eventual reopening includes provisions for regular temperature checks, an “isolation room” within the facility for club members who become ill and restrictions of activities that jeopardize social distancing or require the sharing of equipment without being sanitized.