Oswego Senior Center Remains Temporarily Closed Amid Pandemic
OSWEGO, IL — The Oswego Senior Center will remain temporarily closed, halting all of its normal group functions in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection among the elderly, according to a release Thursday.
"Oswego Senior Center continues to suspend the congregate meal program, group activities and classes held inside the facility," the release stated. "OSC will continue to evaluate our services, exercising extreme caution for the safety of our seniors, follow Illinois State Guidelines, and consult with other senior agencies."
The decision to suspend these activities came at the urging of the Illinois Department on Aging, which was requesting local elderly-care agencies to halt social functions when the pandemic began in March.
"The Illinois Department on Aging is requesting all Area Agencies on Aging to immediately suspend all gathering activities placing our older adults at heightened risk," the March announcement on the center's website read, "including congregate meals and social activities conducted in group settings..."
The decision had also come after Gov. J.B. Pritzker officially declared a state of emergency in Illinois over COVID-19 concerns.
Despite not resuming in-person activities, the center has launched several virtual classes that engage the seniors while accommodating their health and safety.
Learn How to Zoom Link
1 p.m., Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays in June
Practice and personal assistance will be available via PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone through this Oswego Senior Center Learn to Zoom Link class. Members will need to be able to access the internet.
Heart & Bones
10 a.m. Monday-Friday starting June 22
Oswego Senior Center is offering this engaging, fun fitness Zoom class. Participants will benefit from cardio, resistance and strength training. Balance, coordination, flexibility, agility and energy may be improved. All exercises can be modified to accommodate injuries or specific needs. Wear comfortable clothes and gym shoes and participate from the comfort of your home. Coordinator.
Chair Exercise
9-10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday
Oswego Senior Center is offering a chance to get moving with chair exercise video in the comfort of your home through this Zoom class. This class is offered to all ages.
History through Biographies 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wednesday
The Oswego Senior Center is offering this history class through Zoom with instructor Mike Adolph, a retired history teacher. Mike moderates a lively discussion as participants explore history by presenting biographies, they’ve chosen from a list of over 200 Americans such as Teddy Roosevelt, Gary Kildall, Calamity or member suggestions.
For a full list of fun virtual activities, visit the website.
Any questions regarding the cancellation of activities at Oswego Senior Center can be directed to (630) 554-5602.
To keep on top of the latest coronavirus news in Illinois, subscribe to Patch news alerts and newsletters.
This article originally appeared on the Oswego Patch
