The DeKalb/Smithville Senior Center has reopened, but with a few guidelines that Senior Center Director Pam Redmon says everyone needs to follow. She said that as things slowly begin to normalize, the center wants everyone to be safe, especially the most vulnerable in the community.
As with many other facilities, those entering the facility will be screened using the standard set of questions set forth by the State of Tennessee. Have you been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or experiencing any symptoms within the last 14 days? Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours? Have you had a new loss of taste or smell? Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
Visitors, employees, and volunteers will undergo temperature screenings upon arrival, with a no-touch thermometer, with a normal temperature not to exceed 100.4 degrees F. Anyone who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms or answers “Yes” will be asked to leave the premises and seek medical care.
You must sanitize your hands, and the center asks that a safe distance be observed and to not pick up or touch items if possible.
Masks will be worn by employees and volunteers, and are suggested but not required for visitors and participants if they have been vaccinated.
The center will not be hosting pot luck or congregate meals, and no food can be shared and must be consumed at designated tables using only throw away products. No beverages will be available at the center, but participants may bring water, soft drinks, etc., but must be in containers with lids.
Presently, activities such as bingo, cards, or volleyball will only be one time a week with the same groups playing together on a present day and time.
Only two persons should be in the bathroom, and hand washing is required before you exit.
Director Redmon said for participants to please call the center to see what activities are scheduled for different days. She said they plan to have one activity each day, but participation may be limited. Please call the Senior Center at 615-597-7575 to register for any activity as there will be a limit on the number of persons in each activity room.
