Several local agencies and organizations are changing how they provide services to area residents amid COVID-19 concerns.
Senior housing as well as the Northside Center will continue providing its services, but in different ways.
Meanwhile, other programs also are limiting how they will continue services while others are canceling events.
Keeping the senior citizens who live in the Twin Towers, Hillcrest and Wilson apartments healthy during the possible coronavirus outbreak is the main objective of Darrin J. Taylor, executive director of the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority, and his staff.
Taylor and his staff have been keeping up-to-date and have plans ready.
Each of the three apartment complexes will be locked and assessable by key holders, Taylor said.
The housing authority office is closed to the public. There is a drop box for residents to pay their rent or to turn in necessary paperwork.
When residents call in work orders, they will be asked if anyone in their family is sick. Taylor explained, this is so his workers will wear the proper gear to make the repairs. Any emergency repairs will be made, and non-emergency issues may be delayed if the anyone is sick.
Home health agencies’ workers will be issued temporary key cards.
Since March 1, Taylor’s staff has been wiping down hard surfaces more often and cutting down on traffic in the buildings will protect the residents safety.
Tammy Cassinger said while the Northside Nutrition Center will not be serving meals in the dinning room, her staff will still be preparing meals for customers.
Until further notice, anyone wanting to-go meals may come to the back door to purchase them.
Anyone who wants to call ahead at 573-686-2074, Cassinger’s staff will have the meals ready so folks don’t have to wait outside as long.
“We are delivering home bound meals,” Cassinger said. “The drivers will be wearing masks, gloves and using wipes. They will not be entering homes and are asking everyone to put a small table right at the front door so we may still check on people.”
Cassinger said her staff also will be doing wellness calls on people.
Community
Resource Council
Butler County Community Resource Council staff announced the Senior Seminar scheduled for Wednesday at Twin Towers, Altrusa Room has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Also canceled are the CRC Monthly Partnership meeting scheduled for March 26 and the April 2 Spring Job Fair and College Transfer Fair 2020.
RSVP Director Jennifer Rosener said, since her office will not be open to the general public anyone needing the assistance of RSVP may call her office at 573-686-8624 and leave a message.
Rosener explained, while the AARP Tax Clinics are also closed, she will not be able to provide more information.
University of Missouri Extension
The Butler County office for the University of Missouri Extension is monitoring the national, state and university response to contain the spread of COVID-19 and keep public health top priority.
The Facebook post states “all face to face MU Extension programming has been suspended through May 15th, 2020. This includes all 4-H club and project meetings, programs, and events. MU Extension offices will remain open at this time.”
Other cancellations
• The Black River Coliseum pool, exercise room and walking track are open to the public. The Harlem Globetrotters announced they will reschedule their event locally.
• The Naylor High School prom is postponed.
• The Hunters Education Class planned for March 23 is cancelled.
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Anyone with additional cancellations, may email the to bhorton@darnews.com or call 573-772-7384 and leave the information on the phone.