Helsinki elderly service centres stay closed till end of Feb

The elderly service centres in Helsinki will remain closed at least until end of the February next year following the increasing trend of coronavirus outbreak in recent period, said a press release of the City of Helsinki on Friday.

The opening of service centres will be re-evaluated in February and the further update in this regard will be announced.

“Helsinki has entered the spreading phase of the coronavirus. As our customers belong to risk groups, we have assessed, together with the Epidemiologic Operations Unit, that we are not yet able to reopen service centre activities,’ said Western Service District Director Maarit Rautio.

Meanwhile, day activities for the elderly will be suspended for a fixed period between 7 December and 10 January next year.

The authority will contact the clients in person.

“Day activities were opened a month ago, but the epidemic situation has changed rapidly. We must put the safety of our customers first in this matter also,” Rautio added.

“We will attempt to find alternative forms of contact for our customers who are most in need of support,” nurse Heli Sillanpää said.

Service centres’ supported group activities will also be suspended until 10 January next year.

Service centres are open meeting places for Helsinki residents who are retired or unemployed.

At service centres, anyone can participate in various hobby groups, go to the gym and receive service guidance from social instructors, among other things.