Lake County General Health District recommends senior centers remain closed until January 1, 2021

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) has announced their recommendation that Lake County senior centers remain closed until January 1, 2021.

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The decision will be reassessed at the start of the new year.

The ongoing closures will not only prevent further infection and mortality rates, but also allow time for proper training of staff, develop proper testing protocols and more.

“In determining this recommendation, LCGHD considered a variety of factors including access to adequate COVID-19 testing for both staff and participants, senior center staff training needs, local hospital census, case status in both Lake and surrounding counties in accordance with the Ohio Public Health Advisory System, and seasonal flu immunizations and projections,” a press release from the General Health District reads.

According to the CDC, those with the following underlying issues run a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19:

• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immuno-compromised
• People with severe obesity (body mass index of 30 or higher)
• People with diabetes
• People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
• People with liver disease

“As people age, their immune systems change, making it more difficult for their body to fight off disease and infection, and because older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions, recovery can be more difficult,” the release continues. 

PRESS RELEASE: We are currently investigating several COVID-19 cases linked to adult volleyball leagues. So far, 14 people who played or watched volleyball at Jesse Oaks Food & Drink in Gages Lake in September have tested positive for COVID-19.https://t.co/oD8NKwhy2U pic.twitter.com/hvyfZhJWP0

— Lake County Health Department (@LakeCoHealth) September 29, 2020

63% of Lake County residents hospitalized with COVID-19 were over the age of 60, according to the LCGHD. Of the 19 fatalities in Lake County, those over 60 years old make up 96 percent. 

LCGHD is planning to work with senior center directors and staff to develop a safe re-opening plan that includes testing, reporting, training and other critical prevention practices.

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