Commissioner Shannon Whitfield announced Friday that Walker County government operations will be reduced to mission critical services, effective Monday, in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The commissioner said the virus has not been confirmed yet in Walker County, "but it doesn't mean this invisible enemy is not here."
He said a number of citizens have had symptoms similar to the virus, but he said inadequate testing was available.
Commissioner Whitfield said, "We must work as a community to slow this virus."
He asked that restaurants and bars not serve food indoors, but to go to pickup and delivery operations.
The commissioner said beginning on Monday, all public buildings in the county will be closed except for the courthouse.
He said certain vital services would continue during "this unprecedented crisis that we are all dealing with."
Emergency Management, Fire Rescue, Law Enforcement, Ambulance Services and 911 will remain open, along with the Landfill and Transit. Many other services will be impacted. A complete list of operational changes is available here.
In addition to working to slow the spread of COVID-19, Walker County Government will explore options to lessen the burden financially on its citizens. Commissioner Whitfield said he will announce some of those efforts next week.
Click here to see Commissioner Whitfield's announcement.