Health & Fitness
Anne Arundel Reopens 3 Senior Centers As County Eases Regulations
Anne Arundel reopened three senior centers Monday. The county has eased several restrictions as vaccines rise and infections fall.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Three of Anne Arundel County's seven senior centers reopened Monday. Those facilities will be:
- Annapolis Senior Activity Center: 119 South Villa Avenue
- Pasadena Senior Activity Center: 4103 Mountain Road
- Pascal Senior Activity Center: 125 Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie
County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the decision on April 26. Pittman continued the reopening push last Tuesday, lifting his caps on social gatherings. The county executive then revoked his outside mask mandate and outdoor dining rules last Thursday.
"I am proud to welcome back senior activity center members to the centers," Pittman said in a press release. "We have missed you and we thank you for doing your part during the pandemic."
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These reopenings come as inoculations spread and infections slow.
Thirty-two percent of Anne Arundel County residents are fully immunized. About 46 percent have gotten at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The case rate is at its best clip since February. The percent positivity has dipped to its lowest mark since March. Plus, the hospitalization count is at its early April level.
The virus is not eradicated, so the centers will still have a limited capacity. They will also take these precautions:
- Encouraging hand washing
- Mandating masks
- Maintaining physical distancing
- Prohibiting food, unless attendees need it for a chronic illness
- Forbidding outside drinks
- Handing out bottled water
- Running health screenings at the door
- Requiring appointments
Officials told locals to check with their doctors before returning to the center.
Activities will include:
- In-person classes through Anne Arundel Community College classes
- Exercise classes
- Educational seminars
- Arts and crafts
"Creating a safe and healthy environment for senior activity center members during the initial reopening phase is our priority," Pittman added.
The centers will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays to distribute food through the Senior Nutrition Program.
Virtual events will continue. Residents can sign up for a monthly newsletter about online happenings at this link.
Locals can learn more about all these offerings or request transportation by visiting aacounty.org/aging or calling call 410-222-4464. TTY users can dial via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.
These agencies also helped with the reopening plan:
- Anne Arundel County Department of Health
- Department of Aging and Disabilities
- Office of Central Services
- Office of Emergency Management
"Our county partners have been instrumental in this initial reopening phase allowing center members to reconnect with each other and department staff in a meaningful way," stated Karrisa Gouin, director of the Department of Aging and Disabilities. "We are so excited to see our senior activity center members in-person again!"
Coronavirus Vaccine Resources
Anybody 16 or older can now get the coronavirus vaccine at providers across the state. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot.
Catch up on the infection and inoculation metrics in Anne Arundel County with our most recent numbers update. Head to Patch's immunization page to keep up with Maryland's latest vaccine news.
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RELATED:
- Vaccine Milestones Approach; Cases Still Falling In Anne Arundel
- How To Get COVID-19 Vaccine In Anne Arundel County
- Anne Arundel Ends Rules For Outdoor Dining, Wearing Masks Outside
- Social Gathering Restrictions Lifted In Anne Arundel
- MD Lifts Outdoor Mask Mandate, Ends Outside Dining Restrictions
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