COA discusses plans to reopen buildings

St. Joseph County Commission on Aging recently discussed the requirements necessary to reopen its centers and buildings to the public, as the board continues to monitor the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Executive director Tim Stoll and commission members met Wednesday to take on the issue.

Although no action was taken, the plan is to ask commission management to discuss barriers to reopening, with an action plan expected to be voted on at the board’s next meeting.

The COA will continue to provide activities outside until then, Stoll said.

COA has begun to conduct a few gatherings and events outdoors, such as exercise programs, and residential services have been running smoothly, Stoll said. In addition, he noted, its lunch program has seen a steady increase of patrons.

The commission discussed possibilities on accommodating more people while adhering to the health department guidelines for COVID- 19, such as having two lunch shifts, encouraging reservations and deep-sanitation measures taken between the two lunch shifts.

Board members said their goal is to reasonably accommodate the senior population in a safe way and not keep them at home.