McKean County Commissioners announce the re-opening of county offices located in the main Courthouse building on Monday, May 11. The Courthouse has been closed, except by appointment and with limited staffing, since March 18.
On May 1, the Governor included McKean County among the 24 counties slated for limited re-opening on May 8. The Yellow Phase Opening will follow strict guidelines. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) have issued guidelines for each phase of re-opening for business, travel, and social interactions.
The public is still encouraged to do businesses with county government offices by telephone or email when feasible. Direct phone lines for all county offices are posted on the McKean County website under the COVID-19 tab. Appointments for those needing to enter the building are encouraged, but no longer required. Anyone who is not well or has a temperature is asked to not enter the building. Visitors are asked to not bring additional people or children, unless it is necessary to the business at hand, is required, or for assistance.
“We will have all administrative offices open beginning on Monday,” said Commissioner Tom Kreiner. “We will implement all recommended safety measures during the work day with frequent and thorough cleaning of public spaces. Everyone will wear a mask. We must be accessible, but with caution, to protect everyone’s health and prevent further outbreak.”
Anyone entering the building must follow the yellow phase protocol and wear a mask while in the building. Everyone in the building must practice social distancing. Visitors must still enter through the main front doors and pass through security. Barriers are set up to guide visitors and maintain distance between those entering to go through security.
Employees will wear masks during the work day as a preventative measure to protect the public while doing business and to protect other employees. McKean County will follow the CDC and DOH Yellow Phase Guidelines for businesses including social distancing, frequent cleaning and wearing masks. All offices will be open with teleworking continuing where feasible. Elected officials will monitor mitigation efforts in their offices to prevent community contact.
McKean County Children and Youth and Department of Human Services Officer will continue to operate with entry to the building by appointment only, as is standard protocol. McKean County Jail has not seen an outbreak of COVID-19 and will remain closed to the public for in person visitation until further notice. Procedures for video-conferencing visits and appointments for pistol permits are available by contacting the McKean County Sherriff’s Office.