COVID surge restricts senior activities

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County Senior Citizens Center has suspended all organized activities for the foreseeable future because of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Among the programs out on hold is a monthly lunch that was held for the first time in December. Others include Tuesday Bible study and Friday Bingo and games.

“We’ll make a decision every week about what we’re going to do regarding activities,” center volunteer Lynne Simon said. “The big one is Bingo on Friday. We just won’t be having that until things settle down.”

Center board member Tracy Sullivan said the facility itself will still be open at its regular times – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – for informal gatherings.

“If people want to meet and have coffee or have a small activity at their own discretion, they just need to use safety precautions such as washing hands,” she said. “Masks are available, but we’re just not encouraging large gatherings right now.”

Simon said anyone feeling unwell should take care about going out in public.

“People need to use common sense and take care of themselves and their neighbors,” she said.

Simon added that there will still be plenty to do at the center, including different kinds of dominoes and other types of games, as well as jigsaw puzzles.

“People can come and have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and hang out,” she said. “There are just not going to be sponsored activities until further notice.”