COEUR d’ALENE — A long month just got longer for the Lake City Center.

It’s been closed since Nov. 1 after someone there, either working or visiting, was diagnosed with the coronavirus. The plan was to reopen Nov. 16 after extensive cleaning and preparation.

But with Gov. Brad Little’s latest directive that returns the state to Stage 2 of the COVID-19 battle — the key change limiting gathering to 10 or fewer people — center director Marlys Silva said the center would stay closed indefinitely. All indoor activities are canceled.

“We better wait until we can get more than 10 people,” Silva said.

The abrupt about-face caught many seniors off guard, who have been calling the center to find out when they can return to their favorite haunt for lunch and other activities.

“It’s been crazy,” said Silva.

The center serves close to 100 when fish is served during normal times.


Silva emphasizes the closure is temporary.

While no meals can be served inside, they will be distributed outside via the drive-through program.

Those who want a meal should call the center and let them know no later than 11 a.m.

Silva said in 20 days, the center will reexamine how things are going.

“We can look at it with fresh eyes and see what’s happening,” she said.

Because the coronavirus is a greater risk to older people, the Lake City Center is “working hard at making sure when doors are open, we are as safe as we can possibly be.”

That will include requiring masks, which won’t please many of the seniors who go there and don’t like being told what to do.

“We have no other choice,” Silva said.

Meantime, the center remains busy with old carpeting being ripped out and new being put in, which will provide a fresh look.