From: Jay County Commissioners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It is common knowledge at this point that the county and nation as a whole is facing a rather trying time due to the COVID-19 virus (commonly referred to as the Coronavirus). There is debate amongst residents as to the severity of the virus, of course, but as events unfold and more information is learned it has been decided to take action. As such, the Jay County Commissioners have elected to take the following steps to try and protect county employees as well as the entire county population:

1.) Effective March 24, 2020 at 11:59 PM through April 6, 2020 at 11:59 PM, Jay County Government facilities will be closed except for those individuals and departments deemed essential by the Jay County Commissioners. Other departments and individuals deemed non-essential may be designated on-call.

a. Essential departments: Jay County EMS; Jay County Security Center; Jay County Retirement Center; Jay County EMA; Health Department.

2.) Courts and all elected officials are directed to determine which employees are essential and who can work either from home, in the office, or on flexible shifts.

3.) The Jay County Highway Department will follow the on-call procedures.

4.) Jay County Building and Planning will only work when absolutely necessary.

5.) The Building Superintendent department will work when absolutely necessary in order to clean and disinfect the courthouse and annexes.

6.) Employees will refer to the county SOP (especially 3.17) and Resolution 2020-05 for compensation for those persons deemed essential by either the commissioners, courts, and elected officials.

7.) Employees who are called in or must work during this period need to track their time and their tasks in the event there is a possibility of reimbursement from the state or federal government.

8.) As of right now, the south entrance of the courthouse will be open from 8AM-12:30PM for those who have essential and necessary business with the courts. All other doors will be locked.

The situation will continue to be monitored constantly by the appropriate county departments. Please allow for updates and changes as they might become necessary.