SMETHPORT — The McKean County Commissioners on Monday declared a countywide declaration of disaster emergency.

“While as yet there are no reported cases of the COVID-19 virus in McKean County, as reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as of March 16, this action is taken to provide for the best possible outcomes for immunocompromised residents, hospital and nursing home patients, and residents of McKean County who are over 60 years of age,” read a notice from the commissioners.

“This declaration allows the board of commissioners to access state and federal resources as well as to streamline the procurement and decision-making processes in the event additional measures are necessary to address the potential COVID-19 crisis in our county,” the notice read.

Chief Clerk Pamela Burlingame explained the commissioners have also restricted access to county buildings.

“We are asking the public to avoid coming in to the building except for essential business and for anyone who is symptomatic not to enter,” she said. “We’ve posted signs on all county buildings.”

Many county services can be accessed through the country’s website, mckeancountypa.org