This is an excerpt from an article by Leader Publications.  To read the full article, click here.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state of Michigan rising daily, local facilities are taking precautions to ensure the health of those most at risk.

Following recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, southwest Michigan senior centers have decided to close amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus. The Buchanan Area Senior Center and the Cass County Council on Aging both closed their doors Tuesday to help protect their clientele, primarily senior citizens who are considered to be a population at high risk of serious illness due to the virus. The Greater Niles Senior Center has been closed since Monday.

“This was a difficult decision,” said Marty Heirty, chief executive officer of the COA. “It was something we struggled with because a lot of the programs and services we have are so needed that we don’t want to close down. But we also recognize that the population we serve is very susceptible to this.”

While doors at both COA locations may be closed, the COA will continue to provide services. Its Meals on Wheels program will continue to deliver to homebound seniors throughout the facility’s closure, with extra frozen meals prepared to be delivered in cases where staff cannot reach all routes. While the COA’s dining rooms in Cassopolis and Dowagiac are shut down during the closure, the COA will be allowing seniors to pick up congregate meals curbside at its Cassopolis location.

Additionally, for any seniors in Cass County who are planning to self-quarantine as a precaution, the COA can deliver up to five meals free of charge.

 To read the full article, click here.