The Ohio Department of Aging last week released the guidelines for reopening senior centers throughout Ohio.
Based upon the requirements/guidelines which must be satisfied in order to reopen the senior centers operated by the Wood County Committee on Aging, it has been determined that the Wood County senior centers will not reopen on Monday, Sept. 21, as announced by Gov. Mike DeWine.
Instead, the local senior centers will remain closed through Nov. 2.
Current requirements/guidelines released by the Ohio Department of Aging in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health require the following to occur prior to reopening:
- Testing of all senior center staff and volunteers (initial baseline and at least once every other week thereafter).
- Strategic testing of participants with an initial baseline and at least once every other week thereafter. Note: this is still being clarified as to how many people and demographics.
- The state will support the training of the WCCOA registered nurse to conduct the testing (for staff, volunteers, and identified participants, supply nasal test kits, lab capacity, baseline and repeat testing).
- All services will be by appointment only once we have satisfied the requirements to reopen.
Based upon the restrictions put in place by the State of Ohio, all Wood County Committee on Aging Senior Center locations (Perrysburg, Rossford, Walbridge, Grand Rapids, Pemberville, Wayne, North Baltimore, and the Wood County Senior Center in Bowling Green) will remain closed to the general public through Monday, Nov. 2.
The Wood County Committee on Aging will continue working with the Wood County Health District to ensure the ability to reopen safely.
WCCOA will continue to offer modified services during this time.
On-line programming is being offered via the WCCOA Facebook page and the Zoom meeting platform. For a schedule of these programs and/or additional information, contact Programs@wccoa.net or by calling the office at 419.353.5661 or 1.800.367.4935.
The Wood County Committee on Aging is also encouraging the older adults who participate at the Senior Center congregate dining sites to take advantage of home delivered meals during this time. If you are a Wood County resident (age 60+), in need of home delivered meals or other assistance, please contact the Wood County Committee on Aging at 419.353.5661 or 800.367.4935 or via email at WCCOA@wccoa.net .
