In a news conference on Monday, June 22, 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that Louisiana is not ready to enter Phase 3 of reopening Louisiana and has issued an Executive Order extending Phase 2 from June 27, 2020 thru July 24, 2020.  If Louisiana enters Phase 3 on July 25, 2020 and it expires on August 22, 2020, the earliest senior centers can reopen in Jefferson Parish will be late August or early September.  While I know that everyone, including the Board of Directors and Staff of JCOA is anxious to reopen the senior centers, we must be patient and do so only when we can in a safe manner.

When senior centers reopen, it will also be done in phases as it will be necessary to limit the number of participants, the types of activities and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and hand sanitizers.

In the meantime, you are encouraged to continue avoiding large gatherings, wearing masks when you go to grocery stores, etc., using sanitizing hand lotions, and avoid touching your face with your hands.  Monitor your temperature by taking it daily and if you have a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (Centers Disease Control and Prevention recommended temperature for COVID-19), you should contact your personal physician for advice.

While I know that these are difficult times and that everyone is eager to return to their senior centers to socialize with their friends, now is not the time to relax measures necessary to safeguard your health and that of you family members.

As of today, I know of only one death of a member of the senior centers of Jefferson Parish.  While one death is too many, it is reassuring that our seniors are taking precautions and are practicing social distancing.  These measures are obviously working and we all need to continue them in order to defeat the COVID-19 virus.  This too shall pass and we will all meet at a senior center in the not too distant future and celebrate our victory.

In the meantime, know that the Staff of JCOA is on the job and ready to assist you in your needs.

Sincerely,

Albert J. Robichaux, Jr.

Executive Director and CEO