Gainesville reopens government buildings

The city of Gainesville is beginning a phased in reopening of Gainesville government offices that had been closed because of coronavirus.

From the Gainesville government website…

n an effort to return to normal operations, the city of Gainesville has reopened select facilities to the public, but implemented reduced hours of operation and safety procedures to help combat the novel coronavirus.

In response to COVID-19, city administrative offices and buildings have been closed to the public since March. Despite these closures, all essential city services – police, fire, water, sanitary sewer and trash pickup – have continued without interruption.

As of Monday, May 18, the Gainesville Administrative Building, Historic City Hall, Public Safety Complex, and Community and Economic Development building are open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Buildings belonging to the Gainesville-Hall County Community Service Center, Gainesville Parks & Recreation, and Gainesville Water Resources (whose drive-thru remains open) remain closed.

“Revised office hours will afford minimal staff adequate time to properly clean and prepare for visitors before opening, then disinfect surfaces at the close of the business day,” said City Manager Bryan Lackey.

City staff are gladly assisting customers, but adhering to new procedures that protect the health of everyone. Only a limited number of people are being granted access to these buildings at one time. Staff have also measured and taped off spaces on floors to ensure visitors remain 6 feet apart. Staff are also utilizing signage, ropes and a take-a-number system to control customer flow, limit public access to certain areas and streamline services.

In addition to common areas, such as waiting rooms and lobbies, social distancing is being enforced for those utilizing restrooms, elevators and other spaces where the public may gather.

These modified business hours and safety procedures will remain in effect at least through Monday, June 1. Staff will continue to monitor COVID-19 and its impact on the community until that time, and evaluate additional measures required, if any.