Officials say the COVID-19 health metrics are improving.
Frederick, Md (KM) The gradual process of reopening Frederick County Government buildings will begin next month. During her public information briefing on Thursday, County Executive Jan Gardner said county buildings will open up to employees as they transition back to working in offices.
They were closed last year to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But Gardner said the health metrics have improved.
However, masks will still be required for employees inside county buildings. “As an employer, the county certainly has an obligation to keep our employees healthy and safe,” she said. “So for now, masks will continue to be required whenever employees are in public areas of county buildings or in meetings and gatherings of employees. But certainly when people are alone in their office or at their desk, they do not need to wear a mask.”
Since the buildings closed, most county employees have been teleworking. Gardner says that will still an option. “A telework policy has been drafted, and employees will still need their supervisor or division director approve their telework,” she says.
Starting on August 1st, Gardner says the county will begin a phase reopening of county buildings to the public. That could mean citizens can come into county buildings by appointment only.
“Effective, Wednesday, September 1st, all county buildings will return to normal operations and will be fully open to the public,” she says. “At that time, employees and members of the public who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear masks in county buildings as of that date. Unvaccinated employees and unvaccinated members of the public are expected to continue wearing masks inside of county government buildings.”
County Executive Gardner thanked employees who worked tirelessly to provide services to the public during the pandemic. She also encouraged all employees and residents who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to get their shots.
By Kevin McManus