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To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, both Seniors Center locations in Albemarle and in Locust will be closed effective March 18 until further notice, according to Becky Weemhoff, director of Stanly County Senior Services.

Weemhoff said all current and upcoming scheduled classes, programs and activities are cancelled and no one will be allowed in the buildings beginning March 18.

The Stanly County Commissioners approved the county manager’s recommendation during their meeting Monday night to close both Senior Center locations.

“I know it was a hard decision to make, but knowing that our seniors are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and that every class, activity and program at the Senior Center requires people to ‘gather’ this was the best action to take for the health and safety of our seniors,” Weemhoff wrote via email.

She said neighboring counties’ senior centers have also closed.

Weemhoff said the Senior Center is continuing to serve seniors with home delivered meals, congregate meals and in home aide program with slight changes in the delivery and management of the programs. At this time, grab-and-go meals are available for congregate participants at the Nutrition Sites in Albemarle, Locust, Norwood and Oakboro.

“We are continuing to closely monitor this situation and will follow any recommendations by the county, state and national officials since the health and safety of you, the staff and others in the community are of the utmost concern to us,” she wrote.

She said all staff are available and can be reached by phone at 704-986-3769 (Stanly County Senior Center in Albemarle) and at 980-354-8056 (West Stanly Senior Center in Locust).

Contact reporter Chris Miller at 704-982-2122.