Cullman County’s senior centers will be closed for the next 30 days, and all county events featuring groups of 50 or more people have also been canceled for 30 days to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker signed a declaration of emergency for Cullman County during a meeting of county department heads Monday morning, following the lead of President Donald Trump and Governor Kay Ivey in declaring emergencies for the nation and state.

“This is beginning to be the worst thing that I’ve ever heard of,” he said. 

Walker said senior centers will stay closed for the next month to protect the vulnerable elderly population, and said the county will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to cancel any events that would bring in a group of 50 or more people. 

He asked the residents of Cullman County to stay aware of any further closings or cancelations, and bear with elected officials and county employees as they work to protect the people of the community.

“We need to come together during this time and work as a team,” he said. “I’m proud to be from Cullman because I know how we unite and come together for each other during times of emergencies.”

While senior centers will be closed, all of operations to provide meals to homebound seniors will keep going, said Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker. 

“Right now our number one priority is to continue to serve those at the greatest need, which are the homebound,” he said.

CARTS Director Joyce Echols said her office has already heard from clients who will not be riding on the buses due to the disease, but the bus service will continue to run for residents who need to get to dialysis treatment or doctor’s appointments. 

“I don’t want to leave them stranded,” she said. 

Drivers have already been given cleaning supplies to clean seats and handrails throughout the day, and any drivers who don’t want to drive will not have to do so, Echols said. 

The Alabama Department of Veterans office is also closed until April 6, but veterans can still contact Cullman and Blount County Veteran Service Officer Candace Reppond by accessing the link on the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs website, “Find Your Veterans Service Office” or by calling the office at 256-775-4662.