In an “unprecedented’ move, the board of directors has shut down the Penticton Seniors Drop-In Centre until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 virus threat as additional closures and postponements continue to increase.
The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the board on the weekend of March 14 and 15.
“As many of our members are over the age of 65 and some have medical issues, they are the most vulnerable segment of the population,” said centre president Mignonne Wood in a news release about the decision. “With many of our activities such as lunches and dinners already suspended, it was decided that the best course of action at this time was to close the centre until further notice.”
There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians over age 65, especially those with compromised immune systems and underlying medical issues such as heart conditions, respiratory illness and diabetes.
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“We regret this decision but believe it to be the right one to protect the health of our members and the general public,” said Wood in the release. “We will be continually monitoring the development of the virus to determine when it may be safe to open the centre once again.”
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The Penticton Seniors’ Drop-In Centre is a 12,000-square-foot facility in the south end of the city. With over 50 social, learning and physical activities, the centre attracts hundreds of seniors to the building weekly.
For additional information the public is asked to visit the seniors’ centre website at www.pentictonseniors.org.
Also locally, the Penticton Sunrise Rotary Club announced the postponement its annual Rotary Used Book Sale planned for March 23-28. An advisory will be issued when a new date is set.
The Burrowing Owl Conservation Society annual general meeting scheduled for March 21 has also been postponed until further notice.
It was slated to take place at the Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. A decision will be made in the near future about whether to reschedule or hold the meeting through electronic means.
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