COVID-19 UPDATES

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March 16, 2020

COVID-19 Statement

As the Coronavirus situation continues to develop, we continue to adjust our business practices accordingly based on the most current information and recommendations from experts at the CDC and in the medical community.

In recent weeks we have asked all staff to participate in a variety of proactive measures to reduce the risk of the virus' transmission and spread. We are incredibly appreciative for that cooperation.

Today we took the additional step of closing our Town Hall & Public Works offices to the public. Starting 3/16/2020 – Town Hall’s & Public Works’ office will be staffed, but the doors will be locked to the public. You can make payments or handle any other situations by phone (304-622-7713) or by dropping payments in our drop box around the back of the building. In addition, Code Enforcement inspections, Council Meetings, and Court Hearings will cease until further notice to coincide with the CDC recommendations of terminating all public gatherings. We will re-evaluate the situation at the end of March, 2020.

To be clear, we have no knowledge of a single positive test for the Coronavirus within the organization. These latest measures are taken purely as a matter of precaution and have been recommended to slow the spread of the virus within our community. As always, the health and well-being of all employees and their families is our top priority.

As COVID-19 continues to spread in the United States, residents of the Town of Nutter Fort can be assured public safety agencies have thoroughly prepared to address issues as they arise, and have thoughtfully prepared contingency plans to manage the potential exponential growth of this disease. Police, Fire, and EMS are diligently working together, and are in constant communication with the County Department of Public Health, the Town Hall Office, and our colleagues throughout the county and state. We are prepared to continue to respond to calls for police and fire services, as well as managing the effect of COVID-19 within Nutter Fort.

As we prepare operational plans, we are mindful that COVID-19 will disproportionately and adversely impact our front-line operations personnel. We must protect them from exposure to provide continued service to the community. The very nature of their job dictates that they interact with people who have compromised immune systems or are actively sick with COVID-19. To minimize exposure to our personnel, and to the public, we have implemented the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Finally, should multiple officers and firefighters become exposed and quarantined, our remaining dedicated staff are prepared to work. Plans for maintaining staffing to provide the most critical of our public safety missions are in place. Staffing may be adjusted, and response modified, but rest assured we will respond to aid those in need and to maintain law and order.

This is a very fluid situation and updates will be shared as they are available. Once again, our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, their families and the community remains paramount and we will continue to make thoughtful decisions with that in mind.