March 25, 2020
All Halifax County Citizens
Dear Citizens:
Management staff spent most of last week responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 has only been in existence for a short period of time, but has proven to be a powerful and contagious virus that has changed daily life as we know it.
These are very difficult and challenging times for all of us.
However, if each of us follows the guidelines set out by federal, state and local governments, the situation will improve over time.
As of today (3/25/2020 at 4:00 p.m.), there are ZERO confirmed citizen cases in Halifax County. As you probably know, a state of emergency was declared on Monday, March 16, 2020 , and public access to county buildings was restricted.
We have worked with state and county officials to make sure we are abiding by the law and granting access to some offices on a VERY limited basis.
Additionally, today Tony Brown, County Manager, announced that he is closing county offices through next Friday, April 3, 2020, in an unprecedented effort to try to further protect county employees and citizens.
Please refer to the press release for further details on county services that will be offered on a limited basis.
If a person is experiencing what he/she thinks are symptoms related to COVID-19, individuals are urged to call their primary physicians if they have one, but if not, please contact the Halifax County Health Department for further guidance.
Staff is doing a great job adapting and staying up-to-date on information coming down from state and federal government.
These are uncharted waters, but staff has stepped up and has shown great cooperation to keep the employees and the citizens they serve safe.
We pass along a special thanks to Public Health, Emergency Services , the Sheriff’s Office, Rural Health Group and to Vidant North.
In addition, we would like to thank all emergency responders, nurses, doctors, and other medical staff for their extraordinary response in taking care of all of the sick.
We are so appreciative and thankful for all they have done and continue to do!
These are also challenging times for our schools, churches, and many small businesses, most of which remain closed.
Citizens are urged to support our local businesses, including ordering takeout or delivery from our local restaurants.
We extend our gratitude to the restaurant, grocery, pharmacy, banking and other service industries for adapting to the situation and meeting the needs of our citizens.
To our 52,000 citizens and 575 county employees, the Halifax County Commissioners and the County Manager want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during these unprecedented times. May God continue to bless our great county, state, and nation.
Sincerely,
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Halifax County Board of Commissioners