Public can conduct business at Finance window;
pandemic-related safety protocols in place
COVINGTON, Ky. – Residents and businesses will be able to pay their bills and conduct business in person starting Monday at the Finance Department’s window in the lobby of City Hall.
With Gov. Andy Beshear reporting positive trends in the war against COVID-19 – cases in Kentucky have declined for the sixth straight week, with the lowest test positivity rate since Nov. 4 – Covington leaders have decided to reopen the lobby.
The lobby has been closed to the public since Nov. 23 (and before that from March 16 until July 6) as one way to limit face-to-face contact in efforts to mitigate the spread of the highly contagious and sometimes deadly respiratory disease.
The reopening is not a sign that the pandemic is over, emphasized Assistant City Manager Bruce Applegate, the City’s point person on COVID-19. He urged visitors to abide by safety rules that are in place throughout the building.
Among the restrictions:
- All visitors must wear a mask and follow social-distancing guidelines.
- The number of people in the lobby at one time will be limited.
- Visitors standing in line at the teller window used to pay taxes etc. must stand at least 6 feet apart, as shown by taped “X’s” on the floor.
- Walk-in traffic will only be allowed for teller window services. All other city business will prioritize the use of teleconferencing or virtual meetings to assist customers, and must be established by appointment.
- Anyone who is sick, or has had a fever in the previous 24 hours with COVID-19-like symptoms, should not enter the building.
The business of City Hall has continued throughout the pandemic via phone, limited in-person visits, virtual meetings, mail and drop boxes. Many workers continue to do their jobs at home, while a limited number of employees have come to City Hall every day.
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