Six of the SCOPE operated Senior Centers in both Trumbull and Portage County are now reopening in October, thanks to the approval of the governor of Ohio. This state order only allows for a phased-in and limited capacity opening for senior centers.
The State of Ohio set the following rules for center participants:
- If you are sick, stay at home and do not go to a center.
- It is mandatory that all participants wear masks inside centers except while seated for eating, and drinking, or during exercising with proper social distancing. During this initial phase of limited capacity, those who are unable to wear masks due to health issues shall not be permitted to return to senior centers.
- Participants will need to call the center two days before arrival for reservations and answer a telephone health pre-screening requirement. There will also be individual screening upon arrival at centers, including a temperature check.
- Senior center floors have been marked off to follow the 6 foot distancing rules as well as the setting up of tables and chairs by staff. This means most fitness classes and dancing (except square dancing) will be allowed with limited capacity.
- SCOPE will practice grouping people together to limit exposure to the extent feasible will be based on the group activities individuals choose to participate in.
- Hand washing and sanitary stations will be set up for participants to limit infection spread.
SCOPE revised its activities schedules for each center based on the 6 foot social distancing requirements from the state. For example all board games and card type games will NOT be allowed to occur during this reopening period. BINGO will be allowed, but not with the normal reusable BINGO cards due to possible disease transmission, so SCOPE will provide BINGO papers and daubers/markers to be used.
No lunches will be served at senior centers during October. The order also prohibits field trips, excursions, and large group events. Please consult the center you plan to attend for details on food and activities.
Per State of Ohio rules, SCOPE staff will be required to take a Covid-19 test every two weeks during this reopen period. Participants will only have to get a Covid-19 test if you are high risk, a contact with someone with Covid-19, or are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. The participant will provide to SCOPE a copy of a negative Covid-19 test result in order to return.
If you have further questions or concerns, please call your senior center directly or call our main SCOPE hotline at 330-399-8846. The Niles center has a new phone number, 330-574-2888. We also have a center opening in Newton Falls so call Richelle at 330-766-0531. If you plan to attend the Champion Center please call Yvonne at 330-321-4343 as there will be a delay in opening that facility.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unusual time in history.
