Dongjak-gu to Resume Senior Center Operations on the 21st

Operation from 1 PM to 5 PM on weekdays for seniors at senior centers who are 14 days past their 1st or 2nd COVID-19 vaccination... Designation of infection control officers within centers, compliance with social distancing, capacity limits, and mask-wearing rules

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Dongjak-gu (Mayor Chang-woo Lee) announced on the 15th that it will resume operations of 140 senior centers, which have been temporarily closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, starting from the 21st.

As of the 13th of this month, among 69,352 seniors aged 65 and over, 47,077 have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, recording a vaccination rate of 67.9%.

This measure aims to encourage vaccination to increase the vaccination rate and support the return to daily life for those who have completed vaccination, and it is expected to alleviate the isolation and depression experienced by seniors due to the prolonged closure of senior centers.

Before reopening the senior centers, the district completed disinfection through a professional company and inspected facility conditions such as electricity and gas supply, leaks, and mold.

Additionally, to prevent COVID-19 infection, infection control managers have been appointed and operated within the senior centers. Separate quarantine guidelines have been established, including prohibiting contact-based programs and eating, minimizing conversations, and requiring mask-wearing. Disinfection supplies such as hand sanitizers and thermometers have been prepared to welcome the seniors.

Only senior center members who have passed 14 days after their first or second COVID-19 vaccination can enter, and operating hours are from 1 PM to 5 PM on weekdays.

Vaccination certificates can be issued from ▲vaccination institutions ▲the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s COOV app ▲Government24, among others.

Operations will be limited to one person per 4㎡ according to social distancing level 2. Indoor recreational activities and programs will not be operated, and the centers will be used only for seniors’ rest. However, depending on the social distancing level and the trend of confirmed cases, the number of users and program participation may change.

Lee Sun-hee, Director of the Senior and Disabled Division, said, “The reopening of senior centers is the first step for seniors to recover their daily lives. We plan to expand face-to-face programs to revitalize the centers according to quarantine guidelines and confirmed case trends,” and added, “We ask for active participation in vaccination for a speedy return to normal life.”

Meanwhile, the district is actively considering operating face-to-face programs at community centers and using sports facilities for vaccinated individuals to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate.