Helsinki closes service centres until Oct

The City of Helsinki decided to close down the service centres at least until the end of October following the increase of coronavirus infections, said a press release on Monday.

Daytime activities for seniors will also not be organised during the period.

The opening of the service centres and seniors’ daytime activities will be reconsidered in October.

“Coronavirus infections are on the increase in the Helsinki area, and our customers are at risk. We discussed reopening the activities with Epidemiologic Operations and decided that the activities cannot yet resume. The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to us,” said Western Service Area Director Maarit Rautio.

The service centres will offer small-scale group activities, at their discretion, to customers who are seen as needing special support.

Service centres are open meeting places intended for retired and unemployed people in Helsinki.

In the service centres, anyone can participate in various activity groups, use a gym and receive guidance from a social instructor.

Daytime activities for seniors are organised for groups such as people over 65 living at home and suffering from a memory disorder. Daytime activities also support the well-being of informal carers.