Monticello, NY – With the entrance of the Mid-Hudson region of the State into Phase 2 of the NY Forward plan tomorrow, June 9, Sullivan County government offices will slowly begin reopening to in-person visits.
“We are bringing back less than 50% of our employees onsite, and offices will be open to the public by appointment only,” explained County Manager Josh Potosek. “This is to ensure that the plan we’ve developed is workable and safe before we bring back more employees and reopen for walk-in customers – likely with the start of Phase 3.”
Utilizing guidance from the State and Federal authorities, Sullivan County has developed a COVID-19 Reopening Plan that details each step to be taken in the reopening process and must be read & signed by every County employee. Highlights include:
- Employees will maintain six feet of distance between themselves and other employees unless safety or a work function dictates otherwise, at which time employees must wear acceptable face coverings
- Face coverings will be required of all employees and visitors when in common spaces of County government buildings, including bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, elevators and lobbies
- Floor stickers will be placed in heavily trafficked public-use areas to ensure six-foot separation is maintained, including during early voting for the upcoming elections
- Tele- or videoconferencing will continue to be used as much as possible and MUST be utilized for meetings greater than five people (except for Legislature meetings, as the Hearing Room allows for social distancing)
- Legislature meetings will again be open to in-person public attendance (beginning in July), but seating will be limited so as to ensure six-foot separations
- Clear plastic shielding (already installed) will be utilized wherever staff interact with the public
- Personal protective equipment has been provided to all employees (gloves will only be required for those who already must wear them in a healthcare environment)
- Drop boxes will continue to be available at the Government Center (including DMV and the Treasurer’s Office), Department of Family Services and Sullivan County Career Center
- Offices which conduct home visits (like Office for the Aging and Probation) will resume those visits only when the State says so
- Hand sanitizer will be available in all buildings
- Surfaces will be cleaned daily
- Employees remain banned from travelling to conferences and training outside the County
The Reopening Plan in its entirety can be found at www.sullivanny.us.
“These rules will apply to all County facilities, except the Care Center at Sunset Lake, which remains closed to visitation at this time,” Potosek affirmed. “A separate plan is being developed specifically for early voting at the Government Center in connection with the June 23 Primary Election.”