Elderly service centres in Helsinki stay closed until end of April

The elderly service centres in Helsinki will remain closed until at least 30 April in the wake of the increasing trend in coronavirus outbreak in the recent period.

The service centres will be re-evaluated when they open again, said the City of Helsinki in a press release on Friday.

“The coronavirus situation is severe and still getting worse in Helsinki. Because of the situation, we decided not to open the service centre activities in April,” said Helena Venetvaara, director of the southern service area.

“We assess and monitor the situation continuously together with other municipalities in the capital region. The safety of our clients is of the utmost importance to us. Many of our customers belong to risk groups,” said Venetvaara.

The day activities for the elderly will remain closed until 30 April.

Service centres are open meeting points for elderly and unemployed people in Helsinki. The service centres have hobby groups, gyms, and service guidance from social instructors.

Day activities for the elderly are organised, e.g., for people over the age of 65 with memory disorders who live at home. The day activities also support the wellbeing of informal carers.