MENDOTA - Because of the increased risk to senior citizens from the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), effective Monday, March 16 all group and social activities including congregate meals are cancelled at Mendota Area Senior Services (MASS) until further notice.

The closure was directed by the Illinois Department on Aging and is in place for all senior congregate meal sites and for group activities at all senior centers in Illinois. These steps are being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 to older adults, age 60 and over, as they are considered a high-risk group by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). High risk groups include people age 60 years of age or older and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as: heart disease, diabetes and or lung disease. The CDC recommends that older adults stay at home and practice social distancing as a precautionary measure.

All congregate meal sites are to develop plans for alternative ways to provide noon meals for participants. Older adults should contact their local congregate meal providers to find out their provider’s alternate way of providing a noon meal.

Older adults may still visit local senior centers for assistance with applying for public benefits, but this assistance will be provided by appointment only. For more information, contact MASS at (815) 539-9673.

Announcements will be made when the senior congregate meal sites, senior center activities and group learning activities are resumed.