New Hanover County issued the following announcement on Mar. 15.
New Hanover County announced Friday that the Senior Resource Center’s recreation activities, programs and classes, including the Castle Hayne satellite site, will be suspended beginning Monday, March 16 for at least two weeks. Additional details with alternate service offerings have now been confirmed and are detailed below.
“People over 65 and those with underlying health conditions are most at-risk of COVID-19, so suspending most of the center’s programs is the prudent thing to do to ensure the health and safety of our community and Senior Resource Center guests,” said New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair Julia Olson-Boseman. “Our staff have proactively made plans to continue critical nutrition services because we know how important healthy meals are to our older adults. Measures are also being taken to help ensure the effects of social isolation are minimized among our senior population.”
Senior Resource Center staff will provide a drive-thru lunch option for those customers who participate in the congregate program and/or are 60 or older. Registered Congregate Participants are encouraged to pick-up a carryout lunch Monday-Friday between 11 am and 1 pm at the Senior Resource Center (2222 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC) or Monday-Wednesday between 12 and 12:30 pm at the Castle Hayne location (4544 Parmele Rd., Castle Hayne, NC). Congregate participants are encouraged to call at least one day prior to reserve a meal pick-up at 910-798-6420. The Senior Resource Center will continue operating the Home Delivered Meals Program for its registered homebound participants.
The Senior Resource Center staff is available to meet with clients individually by appointment, phone or email. Critical services will continue, including one-on-one social work, SHIIP, prescription assistance, and medical and non-medical transportation services. These services can be provided in one-on-one settings and by phone. Customers are encouraged to call ahead for services to 910-798-6400.
As of March 16, 2020 the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at both the SRC and the Carolina Beach location has been suspended until further notice.
“While we know that disruptions and cancelations are not ideal, this decision was reached based on our commitment to our community’s health and well-being, specifically to the high risk population,” said Senior Resource Center Director Amber Smith. “It is of upmost importance that our guests, volunteers, and staff remain safe and healthy. We appreciate your commitment to each other, and everyone’s efforts to make the best of this tough situation. We look forward to welcoming our valued recreation guests back to the Senior Resource Center soon.”
In addition to the SRC, the county announced Friday that all county-sponsored group activities and events will be suspended through the end of April, including group events at Cape Fear Museum, Public Libraries, Arboretum, Airlie Gardens and Parks and Gardens. These facilities are still open to visitors, but no county-initiated group activities will take place.
As of March 15 at 2:30 p.m. there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Hanover County, but preparedness plans are in place for the health and safety of our community. For updates and resources related to the COVID-19 virus in New Hanover County, visit Health.NHCgov.com/Coronavirus.
Original source: https://news.nhcgov.com/news-releases/2020/03/new-hanover-county-senior-resource-center-suspending-activities-due-to-the-covid-19-virus/
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