TAZEWELL, VA (WOAY) – County Administrator Eric Young announced today that due to the continued increase of COVID-19 cases the Board of Supervisors will be closing the County Administration Office, Animal Shelter and Building Inspection Office to the public until further notice.
Persons invited for specific meetings will still be admitted. Persons who need to meet with County staff in person should call (276) 385-1200 to make an appointment or see if their issue can be resolved by phone. Building Permit applications may be made online.
In addition, administrative employees will return to working a split shift. This precaution is intended to prevent an outbreak from infecting all employees at once and disrupting the continuity of our governmental functions.
“The health and well being of the residents of Tazewell County are of the utmost importance. We are taking internal precautions, like many local governments in the area, so that we do not contribute to the spread of the disease. County officials continue to remain in close contact with federal and state officials, including the Virginia Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control as we combat this virus” stated Young. “We cannot stress the importance of our community following COVID-19 guidelines, including practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently, not going out if you’re sick and wearing a facial covering.”
Chairman Charlie Stacy added “Administrative measures such as thoroughly cleaning public buildings including the Tazewell County Courthouse and Sheriff’s Office will continue. At this time we need the public’s support in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Simple daily hygiene steps as well as showing respect and care for others by wearing a facial mask, if you’re able, go a long way in slowing the spread.”
Tazewell County has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases with more than 40 cases being reported within the last four weeks. The County’s cumulative case count since reports first began in March is 54. The Commonwealth of Virginia’s report does not distinguish active from recovered cases.
The Board will evaluate the closures on a weekly basis.
Other steps may be taken should the case numbers begin increasing at a faster rate
