Bryan County has already announced precautionary steps in response to health concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The county’s administrative offices remain open in Pembroke and Richmond Hill, with increased levels of sanitation for personnel, facilities and equipment to minimize risk to employees and residents. However, Bryan County is encouraging residents to utilize online portal options for various services, in order to protect the health and well-being of everyone in our community.

Digital submission options are easy to use for permit applications, property tax payments, water bill payments, waste services requests, open records requests, motor vehicle registration/renewal, and more. Residents can access these online portals by visiting www.bryancountyga.org. For questions or assistance with permit applications, please contact Ashley Young at 912-459-6518.

Currently, garbage and recycling services and the Bryan County Health Department are maintaining their regular services and hours. Bryan County Emergency Services are assessing 911 calls and responding appropriately with personnel provided with protective clothing and equipment to be utilized when responding to symptomatic patients. The Bryan County Recreation Department has cancelled all activities and closed all facilities. Parks are still open for walking and family activities which offer social distancing.

The modified status of the following services remain as follows:

· Senior Citizen Centers are closed with immediate effect with meals being delivered to seniors by department staff, until further notice.

· Court systems and buildings are open to staff but closed to most visitors with scheduled hearings cancelled for 30 days. Phone lines are open and emergency issues such as guardianship issues, TPOs and domestic situations will be allowed in for service. Marriage licenses, disposition permits and registering death records are being issued by appointment, but the issuance of weapons carry permits are temporarily suspended.

· Early voting has been postponed and polling locations closed.

· Libraries are closed with fines for late returns suspended.

· Family Connections has closed their food and clothing bank, but phone lines are open 24/7 and emergency deliveries of food to those in need are being undertaken by senior staff.

Bryan County is consulting regularly with experts in public safety, health and emergency management, and will inform residents of any updates to services via its website and social media to ensure the safety of Bryan County’s staff and residents, while still meeting essential needs. As of March 18, 2020, no employee or resident of Bryan County has tested positive for COVID-19 and the county continues with additional deep cleaning at all county facilities and equipment and complying with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. Bryan County services are being maintained with modifications as a precautionary measure to ensure social distancing and to protect the safety and well-being of everybody.