The Coronavirus has now spread to Ohio. Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease are at higher risk for developing more serious illness from COVID-19. If you are at higher risk because you are 50 or older or have a chronic disease, it is extremely important to take action to reduce your risk of getting sick with the virus. The CDC has advised high risk folks to stay at home as much as possible, avoid crowds, stay home if they are sick and avoid people who are sick. Social distancing is recommended.
Based on recommendations by the CDC, Lake County Health Department, and Ohio Department of Health, the Mentor Senior Center will remain open to offer health and wellness programs and services. The programs that will be offered are listed below. All other programs have been cancelled, including cards, games, pool room, fitness center and library. I urge each of you to determine if it is appropriate to attend. Please do not risk your health to attend an event.
Limited programs that will be offered March 16 – April 5:
- Daily lunch
- Senior Produce Market – March 23
- Medical services – podiatrist appointments
- Wellness classes – Memory Fitness, Matter of Balance, AARP tax prep
Credits will be issued for cancelled programs. Pro-rated credits will be offered for classes that are in a current session.
Steps to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick and keep 6 feet between others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
- Stay home if you are sick
The staff is taking preventive measures to reduce the risk, including frequent hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting high touch areas frequently and staying home when sick. Soap and water or hand sanitizer is available in nearly every room.
The Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov and the Ohio Department of Health www.odh.ohio.gov websites are excellent resources for additional information. We will continue to stay abreast of the situation and will post any changes to programs or operating hours to the City of Mentor website, as well as Senior Center voicemail.
If you have any questions, please call the Senior Center at 440-974-5725.