Pittsboro, NC – On October 21, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 170, keeping the state in Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 coronavirus restrictions until at least November 13 at 5 p.m. North Carolina has seen increased hospitalizations and trajectory of cases in recent weeks.
Chatham County government has been working diligently behind the scenes to take gradual steps toward providing in-person services and programming to the public while keeping both employees and visitors safe and healthy. Some of these actions include posting signage to instruct physical distance, installing protective barriers like plexiglass and stocking supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face coverings for staff and the public.
“Throughout the last several months of the pandemic, our departments have remained flexible and adapted in numerous ways so that we could continue providing critical services to the community,” said Chatham County Manager Dan LaMontagne. “As we begin to reopen our lobbies and serve the public face-to-face, we want to make sure we’re taking cautious steps and implementing preventive measures so that our staff and the community stays healthy and safe.”
Some examples of how Chatham County departments have begun providing in-person services include: the Chatham County Department of Social Services is offering curbside services and appointments; Chatham County Parks and Recreation is open for normal operating hours and is accepting reservations for indoor and outdoor facilities; although the libraries remain closed to the public, curbside pick-up service is available at all three branch locations.
For additional updates, residents are encouraged to check the Service Impacts page of the county website or call the department directly.
As North Carolina remains in Phase 3, COVID-19 is still present across Chatham County. New positive cases are being reported every day, highlighting the importance for all to keep following the 3 Ws: wait six feet apart, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, and wear a face covering while in public.
“Practicing the 3 Ws helps to limit the spread of the virus and keep us safe while delivering important services and doing the activities we enjoy,” said Chatham County Interim Health Director Mike Zelek. “These actions will be as important as ever as we continue in Phase 3 and approach the winter months.”
For more information about Chatham County’s response to COVID-19, including resources and testing sites, visit chathamnc.org/coronavirus.