In his message to county staff on Monday, Washtenaw County Administrator Gregory Dill announced the closure of all non-essential services beginning Wednesday, November 18, 2020. The announcement is in compliance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ most recent order that includes a requirement for all workplaces with the ability to operate remotely, to be virtual.
“Washtenaw County is following the lead of our governor and of our state and local health departments.”, says Jason Morgan, Chair of the Board of Commissioners. “They have exhibited extraordinary leadership and we will continue to heed their directives. Although this pause may not be what we hoped to have happen, COVID numbers are higher than ever and we know what works to keep residents safe. We know that washing hands and wearing face coverings work. We know that avoiding in-person gatherings reduces the spread of this virus. The Board and I will be following the orders of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and we implore residents to do the same. When we all work together, Washtenaw County wins. So, please heed ‘The Pause’. Not forever, but for now, so that we can help reduce the upward trend of positive Covid-19 cases in our county, in Michigan and all over the country.”
“We are still in the midst of a global pandemic.”, says Administrator Dill, “At the start of this crisis we assured you all that we would continue to evaluate our service delivery, that we would adapt to the needs of our residents and we are doing just that. And so with our county’s mission in mind, continuing to be driven by the needs of our residents and guided by the science; working with a sense of urgent collaboration – we are coordinating essential services throughout the county and doing everything we can to keep everyone safe. We will reduce our operations for the next three weeks and are prepared for a longer-term virtual, working environment should it be necessary.”
Washtenaw County Departments continue to update their respective websites so that residents are informed of available services. Essential staff are working remotely to respond to and meet the needs of residents. For more information about Covid-19, please visit the Health Department’s website.
