Salt Lake County planning to open senior centers beginning April 19

Salt Lake County officials said last week they will reopen its 20 senior centers within the county beginning April 19 for the first time since March 13, 2020. The senior centers were closed at the same time as recreation centers, libraries, cultural facilities and other county buildings the day after then-Gov. Gary Herbert issued an order to reduce gathering sizes to 100 people.

Since last year’s closing, the Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services provided drive-through meals to its patrons, weekly wellness calls and “virtual center” experiences to make up for the closure.

Paul Leggett, division director for Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, said in a statement that the county will still offer all the services that were created to address COVID-19 concerns for patrons who would still like to or need to use those services even after senior centers reopen. He added that he was excited they had reached a point where the senior centers could reopen.

“It’s been a long year of waiting for the centers to reopen. Once we are open, we plan to stay open,” Leggett’s statement read.

The department said they will begin using new protocols once the senior centers reopen. That includes more cleaning measures, lunch reservations (for indoors and via drive-through) and pre-registration for all indoor activities. Face coverings and social distancing will also be required.