SMETHPORT — McKean County offices will remain open and fully staffed, while the commissioners remain diligent in monitoring information on COVID 19.
“Our offices are open and fully staffed,” said Commissioner Tom Kreiner. “We are issuing protocols to county employees to, and are requesting that the public limit visits to our buildings to help reduce the potential for transmission countywide.”
County employees are asked to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands, utilize email and phone calls to limit face to face interactions and to practice social distancing — remaining 3-6 feet from others. Sick employees are asked to stay home to prevent the spread of illness.
“We take public health and safety very seriously,” said Commissioner Carol Duffy. “While there are no cases yet reported in McKean County, we understand indicators suggest a nationwide circulation and at this point, we have the opportunity to put preventative measures in place.”
All employees are asked to limit interactions, not gather in public places and to wipe down work surfaces. Maintenance and cleaning staff have increased efforts for sanitizing.
While all offices will remain open, the public is asked to limit visits to public offices for non-essential services. Voter registration is available online and some tax payments can be made online or over the phone. People are being encouraged to call offices in order to evaluate whether it is necessary to come in to the building.
Commissioner Cliff Lane emphasized, “Our top priority is the health and well being of our citizens. We are concerned about our vulnerable populations and it is everyone’s responsibility to reduce transmission. We will remain open and are simply asking the public to assist us in reducing contact.”
Kreiner is the lead contact for the county regarding reporting potential exposure to COVID-19. “We are monitoring information from national and world health organizations and I, personally, am in contact with the local healthcare facilities on a regular basis,” he said.
County employees are asked to report potential contact with anyone who has the virus, including travel to regions where the virus is prevalent. The request is not mandatory reporting in order to not to violate any HIPAA regulations and the notification is a courtesy to co-workers and the public.
If you are sick, if you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, if you have recently travelled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread, or if you have recently travelled internationally or on a cruise ship, use additional precautions in all public places.
Likewise, if you are in a group known to be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 (older adults and those with underlying medical conditions), consider whether attending a large group event is appropriate at this time.
The county will follow the lead of the state government in canceling meetings, conferences and all unnecessary travel.
Penn State Extension will cancel all public events through April 6. Anyone with questions about online services or business with county offices should call the courthouse at 887-5571.
