Athens closes most government offices

City Hall says most non-emergency Athens-Clarke County Government workers are not reporting to their offices this week. Athens government officials say they are working to minimize interactions between County employees and the public, trying to contain the spread of coronavirus in Athens.

From the A-CC government website…

All Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) departments and offices will operate under a modified closed workstations model the week of March 23-27 to continue to minimize interactions between employees and the public and slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the community.

Most non-emergency ACCGov staff will not report to their office locations and most ACCGov buildings will generally be closed to the public. Some buildings such as the Courthouse will allow entry for certain essential judicial functions, while some departments will schedule appointments for essential activities while maintaining social distancing.

Many non-emergency staff will telecommute remotely during the week in order to answer questions and provide services remotely over the phone or online. Other staff will work in shifts on alternating days and maintain social distancing. In most offices, residents will be able to speak with staff directly even though offices are closed.

ACCGov will continue to provide essential services such as public safety, emergency response, certain judicial functions, trash collection, and water and sewer services. Most services and programs are curtailed or suspended temporarily until emergency and public health officials provide guidance as to appropriate times to restore them.

Transit services will be provided on a limited service weekend schedule from approximately 7:30 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. daily. Lift Demand Response services will operate only for medically essential needs. Transit services will be fare free with a one round trip rule and have several social distancing restrictions in place. Youth riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

“We have to provide vital services to the community now and also ensure that we have continuity of operations weeks and months down the road,” said Manager Blaine Williams. “Using technology, our departments have looked for ways to continue as much service delivery as possible for residents while safeguarding the health of our workforce and limit the risk of transmission.”

Residents are encouraged to call departments and offices - a list of phone numbers is available through www.accgov.com/directory - or visit department webpages at www.accgov.com instead of visiting ACCGov offices to see if services or information will be unavailable and which services will be provided online and over the phone.