Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
In a special meeting on Wednesday, March 18, the Madison County Board of County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Madison County Emergency Management Director Leigh Basford spoke to the commissioners about the situation. Basford emphasized that declaring the state of emergency would allow for federal reimbursement to the county. Basford made it clear that the measures taken were strictly precautionary and that no cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Madison County, nor was anyone being monitored at this time. Since Monday, March 9, when Gov. DeSantis issued a statewide state of emergency, local efforts have been underway in order to minimize the potential spread of the virus. These efforts have been undertaken in coordination with the Madison County Department of Health, with the Department of Health taking the lead.
Some of the actions taken in Madison County include:
All visitation in the local hospital as well as all assisted living facilities and nursing homes have stopped via executive order
All Madison County schools remain closed until Wednesday, April 15. The school district is implementing a school lunch plan, effective Monday, March 23. All extra-curricular activities have been cancelled for the remainder of the school year. This decision could be reversed at a later date
The Emergency Operations Center is now at Level Two and a local state of emergency is in place
The Emergency Management Department is conducting daily conference calls with the State of Florida and weekly regional calls
Dispatch has implemented screening questions into their 911 protocol
Rescue has implemented additional infection control measures and has adapted policy for personal protection equipment (PPE) for patients entering the hospital
The Health Dept. is running their Incident Management Teams by contacting special needs patients, coordinating with local practitioners and many other duties
Several local restaurants are offering curbside service and delivery options; stores are stocked at this time, although stock may be limited
Energy companies are working with customers on payment options
The Chamber of Commerce has postponed/canceled Down Home Days
Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball has postponed its season
County recreational facilities to include the Cherry Lake boat ramp and Madison County Recreation Park are closed until further notice in order to comply with the CDC's "10-person gathering" guideline
County offices will adhere to the CDC's 10-person rule in order to protect citizens from exposure to virus-like illnesses.
Kim Allbritton, from the Madison County Department of Health also addressed the commissioners. Allbritton emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the recommended CDC guidelines instituted to minimize the spread of the virus. Some of these guidelines include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, frequent hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, staying home if you are sick and greatly limiting exposure to crowds and groups of greater than 10 people.
Several county offices are operating under limited procedures. These include:
Building Department: Closed to face-to-face communications indefinitely; employees conducting business as usual without personal interaction; Permit applications may be dropped off for processing in a box which will be placed inside the office door; call (850) 973-6785.
Madison County Road and Bridge Department: Requesting minimal customer interaction at their office; call (850) 973-2156 or email Jo at mcrdjo@madisoncountyfl.com; Louise at mcrdlouise@madisoncountyfl.com; or Debbie at mcrddebbie@madisoncountyfl.com.
Madison County Solid Waste and Recycling: Requesting minimal customer interaction at their office; place recyclable materials in compactors due to a shortage of inmate labor; call (850) 973-2611.
Madison County Property Appraiser: Closed to face-to-face communications indefinitely; employees conducting business as usual without personal interaction; business is encouraged to be conducted via phone by calling (850) 973-6133.
Madison County Tax Collector's Office: Open for business; no more than five customers allowed inside tax collector's office at once; no more than 10 customers allowed in the hallway at once; employees encouraging business to be conducted online at www.flhsmv.com; call (850) 973-6136.
Madison County Supervisor of Elections: Operating normally; non-essential business may be conducted via telephone by calling (850) 973-6507.
Madison County Courthouse: Jury selection has been temporarily suspended until Friday, March 27; traffic and court fines and costs may be paid online by visiting www.madisonclerk.com or call (850) 973-1500.
Madison County Code Enforcement Department: Closed. If assistance is needed regarding a letter you have recently received, contact the Madison County Tax Collector's Office at (850) 973-6136.
The Madison County Sheriff's Office, Madison County Fire Rescue and Madison County Mosquito/Animal Control are conducting business as usual.
In adherence to CDC guidelines, the regular meeting of the Madison County Commissioners on Wednesday, March 25, will be limited to a total of 10 people, including staff and commissioners. It is being planned to allow citizens to participate in the meeting via the "GoToMeeting" website.