Alzheimer Cafés across the Isle of Wight have been cancelled until at least the end of April to help protect the older and more vulnerable population from coronavirus.
Cafés are held across the Island in Ryde, The Bay, Ventnor, Newport, Cowes, East Cowes and Totland, but given the COVID-19 outbreak, the decision has been made to close all Alzheimer Cafés for the time being.
Alzheimer Cafe IOW says that in the first instance they have closed all cafés until the end of April, but will follow guidance from Public Health England going forward.
A spokesperson said:
“We want to make sure that we play our part in keeping our Café Communities safe, and will reopen as soon as is possible. We will be issuing updates as and when we can. “Please also check Facebook and our Website www.alzheimercafeiow.org.uk for updates and further information”.
This news means that the Totland Alzheimer Café, due to take place on Wednesday, will not go ahead, or the following Alzheimer Cafés next week: ACE7, The Bay, Newport and East Cowes.
If you live near an elderly person, do keep an eye on them. This is especially important if they are living with dementia and close relatives live on the mainland. The next couple of months are going to be a real challenge to us all. We are all going to be in the same boat and some will find this especially difficult.