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ELKINS -- Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to declare a state of emergency in Randolph County in due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I find that the transmission of the novel coronavirus is a threat to human health in Randolph County, and, in an effort to take every precaution and to prepare for the worst case scenario, while at the same time hoping for the best possible outcome," Commission President David Kesling state in the declaration.
"The person-to-person spread modeled by the CDC World Health Organization indicates that extensive loss of life and or serious illness or disability is threatened imminently in all of West Virginia because of the transmission of the coronavirus."
"COVID-19 poses an immediate danger to public safety," the declaration states.
"To this point, what we've done is encouraged the public to stay away and to call," Commissioner Mark Scott said. "We've got notices posted throughout the courthouse that states that if you have any business to please call in advance to see if it's something that can be handled over the phone or through online services instead of entering the courthouse, and by and large, I think that has been heeded."
In an effort to protect Randolph County citizens from potential COVID-19 exposure, the Randolph County Sheriff's Office is heeding CDC recommendations, a press release stated Thursday.
"During this unprecedented time, your safety and the safety of our employees is top priority for me," Sheriff Mark Brady said in the release. "We will continue to work with each other, respect each other and move forward as a community to get through these temporary difficult times."
Beginning today, the sheriff's tax office is suspending in-person visits into its main lobby. While the hallway door will still be open for essential tax issues, personnel will be available to handle over the phone questions on the payment of real and property taxes, hotel/motel taxes and civil processes at 304-636-2100. All DMV transactions for license renewals and concealed weapons applications will be suspended.
Taxes are available online at https://wvpropertytaxes.com/, while DMV license renewal is available online at https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Vehicle-Services/Registrations/Pages/default.aspx. and accident reports are available through the state police at https://www.wvsp.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
The sheriff's law enforcement office will continue to operate with necessary precautions in place; personnel will be on duty, but all non-essential persons will be suspended from entering the law office.
"We will suspend accepting inmates into the county jail and all non-essential process of civil papers within our county," Brady noted, adding that the Sheriff's Office is working with the circuit, family and magistrate courts to accommodate all necessary court hearings.