Slowly but surely, governments are reopening for business around North Georgia, and the city of Gainesville said it is ready for what it calls a "soft opening" on Monday, May 18.
On that date select facilities will open their doors to the public, but hours of operation will be altered and safety procedures will be in place as the coronavirus pandemic lingers.
According to information released Friday by City Manager Bryan Lackey, the Gainesville Administrative Building, Historic City Hall, Public Safety Complex and Community and Economic Development building will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"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 Lackey in a prepared statement. "Leading up to May 18, city staff will be hard at work to clean and sanitize public spaces in each building and prepare areas so visitors and staff can adhere to social-distancing guidelines."
Lackey said city staff will be available to help customers, but citizens can expect to see some operational changes.
- Only a limited number of people will be granted access to open buildings at one time.
- Staff will measure and tape off spaces on floors to ensure visitors remain six feet apart at all times.
- Staff will use signage, ropes and a queuing system to control customer flow, limit public access to certain areas and streamline services.
- Social distancing will be enforced for waiting rooms and lobbies, restrooms, elevators and other spaces where the public might gather.
Lackey said the modified business hours and enhanced safety measures will remain in place through at least June 1, 2020.
At this time, buildings belonging to the Gainesville-Hall County Community Service Center, Gainesville Parks & Recreation, and Gainesville Water Resources will remain closed; the drive-through window is open at the Water Resources building.
Additionally, a local state of emergency remains in place for Gainesville City Government through close of business on Tuesday, May 19.
Lackey said the city of Gainesville will continue to communicate any changes at www.gainesville.org or on the city Facebook page.
