COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners were told during their Thursday work session that the Courthouse is ready to enter the next phase of re-opening after the county met requirements from a Local Administrative Order and the State of Michigan concerning COVID-19.
Requirements included having no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases in the building for two weeks.
Branch County Administrator Bud Norman said there would still be protocols and social distancing guidelines in place.
Those that need to do business with the County are still encouraged to do it remotely via phone or computer if possible. There is still a state requirement for the wearing of masks in an enclosed public building and six feet social distancing.
Due to the distancing, Norman says offices can only accommodate a certain amount of people to be served at the same time and in some instances only one at a time. Therefore, constituents are encouraged to call and confirm times that are suitable if they must enter the building.
Norman told Commissioners about 80 percent of the persons in the building are court personal.
Court proceedings will be conducted virtually as much as possible with in-person proceedings being held on a limited basis.
The Commissioners voted to bring forward formal action to next Tuesday’s meeting.
