Putnam Co. Senior Centers Plan To Reopen In May

Putnam County Senior Centers are set to reopen on May 3rd with strict COVID guidelines put in place by the board.

Assistant Director Julie LaForest said the tentative plan requires all members to be COVID vaccinated before entering the facility.

“We have a much bigger center than must people, so making sure everything is safe is our priority,” LaForest said. “For example, every participant is going to have to show proof of two COVID vaccinations with 14 days required after the second vaccination.”

LaForest said the state has also confirmed that the center will serve as a vaccine strike site for those 60 and older. LaForest said a time frame for this is unknown at this time.

“We’re still waiting to hear back from the health department,” LaForest said. “That will give them enough time to get their shot and be down and ready to start with us by May 3rd.”

LaForest said the past year has been very difficult for the center’s community. LaForest said members are extremely excited to have the opportunity to return.

“It feels amazing,” LaForest said. “We can’t wait to have everybody back and sustain just good mental health and for them to be able to exercise again and just fellowship. We are really excited for them and for us.”

Exercise classes will resume only on Mondays and Wednesdays, and be limited to 30 members. Masks will also be required at all times except for exercise instructors while training. Instead, a plexiglass shield will protect members, and instructors will stand 16 feet away.

Social distancing will be enforced at all times. Cards, pool, shuffleboard and puzzle participants will follow these same guidelines. Many other improvements have been made to the facility such as hand sanitizers stations and spacing signage.