Ganghwa County Opens Doors of Senior Centers Starting July 7

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Shin Eun-seop] All 236 senior centers in Ganghwa County, which closed due to COVID-19, will reopen starting July 7.

The county announced on the 3rd that it will reopen the senior centers as heat relief shelters for elderly residents during the coming hot season, and as spaces to relieve depression and isolation caused by lack of communication due to COVID-19, following the completion of COVID-19 vaccinations for residents aged 75 and over on the 24th of last month.

Usage is limited to those who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Operating hours are restricted from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In terms of program operation, operations will resume focusing on non-contact and non-face-to-face small-scale programs. Additionally, eating and entry of outsiders are prohibited, and operations will be conducted under strict compliance with quarantine guidelines, including visitor registration logs.

In case of violation, the county plans to levy administrative fines in accordance with relevant laws and immediately suspend operations at the violating senior center.

Prior to reopening, the county plans to complete disinfection work at all 236 senior centers by the 4th and will conduct final inspections on preparedness, including placement of thermometers and disinfectants, establishment of emergency contact systems, and visitor logbooks.

County Governor Yu Cheon-ho said, "I am pleased that we can reopen the senior centers due to the high vaccination rate among residents aged 75 and over," and added, "Please comply with quarantine guidelines so that senior centers can serve as heat relief shelters for elderly residents during the upcoming hot season and become safe spaces for leisure."