FAIRHOPE – All non-essential public buildings were ordered closed Monday, March 16, following a vote by the City Council.
In an emergency meeting held Monday, council members voted unanimously to order the closing in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Mayor Karin Wilson said residents can still conduct business at City Hall, but will have to use the drive-through window or drop payments in the lock box.
“All employees will continue to work,” Wilson said. “As this progresses, we could go to just having essential employees as we would during an emergency – first responders, gas and water and sewer.”
She said organized recreational team sports will be cancelled, but unorganized activities, such as individuals using city tennis courts or the Quail Creek municipal golf course will be permitted at the discretion of the participants.
Councilman Jay Robinson said some meetings, such as the Fairhope Planning Commission may be cancelled since the number of participants usually exceeds the 10 recommended by state officials as the maximum for public gatherings during the outbreak. He said the City Council will vote on any cancellations on Monday.
The Fairhope City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 23, will be held. State law requires that the meeting be held, but Wilson said residents can listen to the meeting from the Civic Center lobby or follow the proceedings online if they do not wish to risk close contact with other people.
