Some Dundee sheltered housing residents say they are still facing Covid restrictions – weeks after most rules were dropped.
Certain activities that were cancelled during the pandemic have yet to return, despite rules around social distancing and indoor gatherings having been scrapped earlier this year.
Rules on face masks were also relaxed this month.
As a result, residents say they cannot understand why lounges remain closed for evening use.
It comes after those living in sheltered housing complained that they had been forced to pay for services that they did not receive during the pandemic.
Hundreds sign letter over ongoing Covid restrictions
Hundreds of people have now signed a letter to Dundee City Council, asking for lounges to be returned to full use for activities they pay for.
Sandra Bale, a spokesperson for sheltered housing residents – including 200 at Alpin/Glenesk sheltered housing complex in Coldside, where she is a resident – said: “We were told on April 15 that lounges and communal areas would once again be opening for activities such as beauty sessions, exercise classes and aromatherapy.
“We are now being told that full access to the communal lounge for activities still won’t be allowed to happen.
“We continue to only have limited access for a few activities during the day.
“This means that popular evening events still cannot go ahead and we want to know why.”
Sandra says residents are able to use the lounges during the working hours of the wardens, but not after they finish – normally around 4pm on weekdays and 1.30pm at weekends.
We are livid that we are not being trusted to have the complex open in the evening
She said: “This is ridiculous. We are livid that we are not being trusted to have the complex open in the evening.
“We are all adults and are perfectly capable of opening windows, carrying out extra cleaning, and cleaning toilets after ourselves.
“We appreciate the council wants what is best for us. However, we want to enjoy our retirement – we do not want sit at home waiting for God.”
Council taking ‘cautious approach’
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “Like many other services, sheltered housing has been impacted in a major way by the global pandemic.
“Our efforts over these times have been, first and foremost, to keep our tenants and staff as safe as possible in these unprecedented times.
“In line with Scottish Government guidance we are continuing to take a cautious approach to protect staff and residents.
“This includes continued enhanced cleaning, encouraging social distancing and managing occupancy of space.
“We have reopened sheltered housing lounges for planned [day] activities, booked laundry slots, and this is under regular review.”
