As we enter another week of COVID-19 planning and response, we are writing jointly to provide an update and additional guidance on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the President Judge.
First and foremost, please know that your cooperation, flexibility, and extraordinary efforts to manage through this public health crisis are greatly appreciated. Because Centre County government serves a wide range of different constituencies and many offices must comply with Federal and State statutory and regulatory requirements, it is difficult to issue ‘one size fits all’ guidance. As we navigate our way through these challenges, we have taken into account these differences with your help as best we are able. It is a fast-changing landscape with no immediate end in sight – the days ahead will certainly challenge us all to manage in unprecedented and non-traditional ways.
Public Access
- The public is asked to refrain from visiting County office buildings. Please call first and discuss ways to conduct essential business needs.
- All building doors will be locked during normal business hours– this includes the Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, Willowbank, and Summit Park. Public access will be granted on an as-needed basis.
Continuity of Services
- Most offices are physically closed effective Monday, March 23 and until further notice.
- For the very limited number of employees who need to either be on site at the Willowbank or pick up mail and files, access will be allowed only through the main entrance with swipe card access necessary. (Access to Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, and Conservation District Offices will be from the side door entrance).
- Sheriff’s deputies will continue to staff the entrances at the Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, and Willowbank for security purposes and to receive any necessary mail and packages.
- Facilities management staff will continue with mail distribution, cleaning, and building sweeps.
- If an office is physically closed, each Department/office has a plan in place to forward phone calls and answer emails.
Guidance received from the Governor’s Office and the PA Department of Health as well as many other reliable sources is being monitored closely and we will make adjustments to our operations as appropriate and necessary. Please do not hesitate to contact either one of us with questions or concerns.
Margaret and Kendra