SMETHPORT — In an effort to protect the public and county employees, the McKean County Commissioners and President Judge John Pavlock are asking that all visitors to all county buildings follow the state protocol to wear a mask beginning on Monday, until further notice. On Friday, Governor Wolf asked that all Pennsylvanians wear a cloth mask any time they leave their houses for life-sustaining reasons.
“During this crisis, as we continue to conduct county business and maintain government services, we need to prioritize the health of the public and our employees,” said Commissioner Tom Kreiner. “We encourage the use of cloth masks and we are pleased to see the efforts of our local essential businesses who are complying by requiring masks or offering curbside delivery. This action is the county government doing our part.”
County offices remain closed to the public with an exception for those doing essential business, by appointment only. Anyone who has business in any McKean County office building, including the Courthouse, Magisterial District Judge offices, Family Law Office, Domestic Relations Office, Department of Human Services, Children and Youth Services, Department of Emergency Services, McKean County Jail, Conservation District, Planning, Economic Development, Children’s Advocacy Center and CASA are asked to wear a cloth mask.
Beginning Monday, all McKean County employees entering the buildings for work are asked to wear masks. Employees are asked to wear masks in all public areas and when interacting with the public or entering other offices. A work in place protocol has been in effect to help maintain social distancing and business is being conducted by telephone and electronically when feasible.
“As the directive is for all Pennsylvanians to secure and use masks in public, we anticipate that our employees will be obtaining a face covering for this purpose before Monday,” added Kreiner. “We are looking into options to be able to provide standard surgical style masks, but in the meantime, with this immediate need, we are asking for cooperation.”
Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Levine’s message to the public indicates that wearing a mask is an added layer of protection to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Staying at home, frequent and thorough hand washing and using hand sanitizer are important protocols to prevent transmissions. Maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.
The CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional measure.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not medical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidelines.
