“I am very disappointed to report that we are extending the closure of USS centers until January 11, 2021. While our governor has announced that Ohio senior centers may reopen later this month, Clark County infections continue to rise. As recently as last week, our county was back to a level 3 emergency,” said Maureen Fagans, CEO, early last week.
Clark County cases started to decline last week, but still, the county has bounced between level 2 (orange) and the more serious level 3 (red) on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System since Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled the system on July 2. The county received a level 2 rating on the latest report Thursday.
USS and Clark County Combined Health District have worked together to monitor health data and plan for a safe reopening, but as schools reopen and flu season begins, and with no vaccines available, the risk of spread remains a concern, especially for older adults, according to USS.
“I am so proud of USS and our decision to put health and safety first. I hope others in the community will see this as an example of responsible leadership,” said Michele Hemphill, board member at USS.
USS staff and members at the centers look forward to the day they can reopen.
“I miss seeing people and visiting the center, but I think delaying reopening is the right thing to do,” said member Barbara Matthies.
“We miss our members terribly, however, as the leading advocate for older adults in Clark County, our first responsibility is their health and safety. When there is significant, sustained, downward movement in the rate of infection in our community, USS centers will slowly reopen for recreation and social activities,” Fagans said.
Although the centers remain closed, their essential services such as meals, transportation, grocery delivery and in-home care will continue, as well as virtual class opportunities.
“If you find you need support, remember that USS services for meals, in-home care, transportation, grocery shopping, emergency assistance, and other programs continue uninterrupted,” Fagans said.
Seniors in need of essential services should call 937-323-4948. Staff are available by phone from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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