JOPLIN, Mo. – The Area Agency on Aging Region X (AAAX) announced all seven of its senior centers in Southwest Missouri will fully reopen on July 12. That includes centers in Barton County, Carthage, Webb City, Carl Junction, Joplin, Neosho and McDonald County.

Jennifer Shotwell, AAAX CEO, says, “After having our soft opening in May and June we feel that we are in a great position to fully open the centers. Vaccination rates have increased, and cases of COVID-19 have decreased overall.”

Each center will resume all activities (pool, bingo, lunch, cards, puzzles, exercise classes, quilting, etc.) everyday Monday thru Friday with no limitation on capacity.  The Agency is adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that vaccinated patrons do not have to wear a mask or socially distance. However if a patron or staff member contracts COVID-19, AAAX will close the affecter center without notice.