50+ Centers In Howard County To Reopen Friday At Half Capacity

Ellicott City MD

27 April, 2021

12:29 PM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Limited in-person services and activities will resume at all Howard County 50+ centers starting Friday. Centers will open at 50 percent capacity. Everyone who enters 50+ centers must wear masks and follow proper hand hygiene. To maintain social distancing, seating capacity is limited and may be arranged. Social activities such as discussion groups, lifelong learning, art and DIY activities, billiards, pickleball, walking groups, and health and wellness offerings will have phased returns with limited capacity and new protocols for staff and participants to minimize the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. "The reopening of our 50+ Centers is due in part to the overwhelming number of our seniors who have been vaccinated and have adhered to best practices for staying safe including wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing" Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Department Health Officer, said at a news conference. "It is equally important for the rest of our population to get their vaccines so we can get back to a degree of normalcy." A majority of services at 50+ centers will be offered by appointment only including: Maryland Access Point information and assistance; State Health Insurance Program Counseling; Exercise and nutrition consultations; Fitness equipment rooms; AARP tax assistance; and Grab & go meal distribution. Grab & Go meals will continue in lieu of the congregate lunch program and can be accessed by calling 410-313-3640. "We know that these centers are an invaluable resource for social engagement, health and wellness, and life planning," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at the news conference. "Ninety-nine percent of our super seniors, those ages 75 and older, and 90 percent of residents between the ages of 65 and 74 have received at least one dose of the vaccine, which provides an additional safety measure to our 50+ centers." Virtual 50+ Center offerings will remain available at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging. "We realize the changes to the center may limit the number of participants in the center at one time, they are in place to provide a safer experience for everyone," Jenna Crawley, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence administrator said at the news conference. "We are balancing the needs of our members with our capacity and resources and are committed to serve as many as possible."