Macon-Bibb County continues to change its operations to protect employee and community safety in response to the spread of COVID-19.

Based on the increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19, Mayor Robert Reichert issued an Executive Order on July 9, 2020 requesting people, businesses, and organizations follow ALL of the CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19. For government services, this includes:

• Masks are strongly encouraged for employees and citizens for entry into County buildings
• Government buildings are closed to public walk-ins, and all meetings should be held by appointment;
•  Outdoor work crews will be limited to the smallest number of people and masks should be worn during shifts;
• Park pavilions, sports fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds will be closed;
• Reservations for facilities will be cancelled on a month-by-month basis beginning July 26;
• Open spaces – including trails and parks – will remain open since people can be socially distant;
• Departments and offices will implement telework and staggered schedules;
• Plexiglass barriers being installed at desks for people that interact with the public;
• Ending the issuance of new Special Event permits;
• Employees traveling home from areas with severe outbreaks will stay home; and
• Increasing cleaning of public park bathrooms.

Some of these will impact services since access to offices will be limited, and we will have alternating schedules for crews working on roads, in parks, and more. Schedules are being created by departments to make sure services do continue, but there may be a delay in some areas due to a reduced number of available staff on a daily basis. As changes are made within departments, their individual websites will be updated.

“As we move forward together through this challenging time, we ask for your patience and understanding with each other,” says County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “We will continue providing essential and needed services, but this will impact how quickly we can respond to requests.”

For the general public as they conduct necessary business, people are urged to also follow the CDC guidelines, including:

• Wearing a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth, when practical;
• Monitor your health daily and get tested if you show symptoms or believe you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• Avoid close contact with people, meaning at least six feet away;
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and
• Clean and disinfect surfaces.