COVID causes CHEER to suspend activities temporarily

Because of rising COVID-19 case numbers, CHEER announced that all congregate and transportation activities at all of its activity centers in Sussex County will be suspended until further notice, effective Monday, Dec. 7.

The adult day care center will suspend services at the end of the day Friday, Dec.11.

However, all Meals on Wheels delivery and grab-and-go meals will continue. CHEER members can call their local centers in advance and reserve up to seven meals at a time.

“The CHEER staff has reviewed the implications of the governor’s recent stay-at-home advisory to slow the exploding threat of COVID, and determined that it is in the best interest and safety of the seniors and our staff to suspend congregate services until further notice,” said Ken Bock, CHEER CEO.

“However, the home-delivered meal program will be expanded again to ensure that all our senior members have access to meals. We are increasing the number of meals produced and will stockpile meals so that we can increase the number of meals delivered to our seniors,” said Bock.

He also said the number of wellness calls to seniors will be increased to two times a week.

“The holidays are especially hard on seniors who don’t have anyone to share them with. Now COVID has added another dimension for possible depression, so we want to keep in touch with the seniors and encourage them the best we can,” said Bock.

CHEER seniors are encouraged to use their loaner tablets to stay in touch with their friends and keep active with the virtual activities offered by CHEER.

For more information, go to cheerde.com or call 302-515-3040.