The Auburn Senior Activity Center will close for the rest of the day and will remain closed until further notice, city officials posted online Thursday.
Additionally, programs offered through the senior center will be suspended through March 31.
Seniors are one of the highest at-risk groups for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In consideration of the city’s priority for participant safety, officials said this is the appropriate measure to take.
For additional information, please call the senior center at 253-931-3016.
Also, the White River Valley Museum will be closed until Wednesday, March 11.
Elsewhere
The Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation issued the following notice to participants:
The city of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department continues to be in communication with, and following the guidance of, Public Health-Seattle & King County, the City’s Office of Emergency Management, and Washington Department of Health regarding COVID-19.
Possible Parks, Arts & Recreation Department impacts:
Currently, all programs are occurring as scheduled. If a program is canceled or if a facility is closed, we will notify patrons (either by direct email or phone message for registered participants, or by notices via web, social media, and media for the general public).
All facilities have posted signage about the virus and how to prevent the spread of germs, along with signage in the bathrooms related to best practices for hand washing.
If you have registered for an upcoming class, program, or performing arts show and would like to cancel your participation, please call our office at 253-931-3043 and we will arrange to credit your account or pro-rate a credit based on the program.
Stay informed:
Please check the following resources for updates about Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation operations and facilities:
• Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation website
• Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Facebook Page
• Facility Voicemails: Please call either the Auburn Community & Event Center (253-931-3043) or the Auburn Senior Activity Center (253-931-3016) for updates and current program status as needed.
Guidance for people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 Illness
Public Health recommends that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. This includes concert venues, conventions, sporting events, and crowded social gatherings.
People at higher risk include people:
• Over 60 years of age
• With underlying health conditions including include heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• With weakened immune systems
• Who are pregnant
Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with healthcare providers about whether their children should stay home. Anyone who has questions about whether their condition puts them at risk for novel coronavirus should consult with their healthcare providers.
How can you help?
As a best practice, the City of Auburn encourages anyone who feels sick with cold or flu symptoms to stay home and avoid contact with others. According to Public Health-Seattle & King County, following are additional ways the public can help:
• Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from patients.
• Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
• Stay home when sick.
• Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including washing your hands with soap and water frequently, coughing into a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are at higher risk for coronavirus.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you’ve just washed your hands.
• Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health’s website or blog.
This information is rapidly changing and we will continue to make decisions based on the most current recommendations from King County Public Health and Washington State Department of Health. If anything changes pertaining to our operations, we will be sure to update you as quickly as possible.
– Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation
