ATHENS, Alabama — The city of Athens has updated its COVID-19 protocols due to Limestone County being considered "high-risk" for the virus.
The city cited the Alabama Department of Health saying there have been 1,042 cases of COVID-19 reported in the county in the last 14 days, as of January 4.
“I have asked department heads to reiterate with employees the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and sanitizing,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “In addition, I have asked each department to set protocols in place regarding public access to their facilities.”
The city defined protocols for several of its facilities:
City Hall
Offices in Athens City Hall will remain closed to walk-in traffic until the procedure is re-evaluated on January 15. If you have an appointment in City Hall, then you will be required to undergo a temperature check.
City Council Meetings will remain open by law, but will require a temperature check to attend in-person. There is also an online option to view/attend the meeting through the city's Youtube page.
Those meeting the following criteria will not be allowed to attend meetings in-person:
- Persons who have been, within the last 14 days, in any area identified by the CDC as subject to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice or as a place of “Widespread sustained spread and restrictions on travel to the United States,” see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html This list may update.
- Persons who reside or have had close contact with someone who has been in one of the areas listed above within the last 14 days.
- Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency.
- Persons who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or the flu.
- Persons who have a fever 100.4 degrees or higher, cough, have trouble breathing, or are obviously unwell, and have not been free of those conditions for 48 hours.
Athens Utilities Customer Accounts
The Athens Utilities office will remain open with employees behind barriers. Customers are required to wear a mask and a temperature-check station is being installed.
Athens Police Department and Municipal Court
The front lobby will remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors will be required to wear a mask and no more than three people are allowed in the lobby at the same time. Athens police Chief Floyd Johnson is urging citizens to communicate by phone or email whenever possible.
Athens Fire Stations
Athens Fire Stations will be closed to walk-in traffic and visitors until further notice.
If you need to obtain a burn permit, call Station 1 at 256-233-8710 to set up a time for personnel to check the proposed site. If approved, applicants will be called to provide the permit number and will be sent an email with the permit attached.
If you need to obtain a fire report, call Station 1 at 256-233-8710 to request a copy be emailed to you.
Athens Park, Recreation and Cemetary
League basketball restarts on January 4. Racquetball will be limited to two people per court. Pickleball will be limited to four people per session. Both Racquetball and Pickleball will require reservations.
Fitness class are still being held. Participants of these classes are being asked to adhere to restrictions pertaining to each activity.
The Rec Center is not renting rooms out as of January 4.
Athens Utilities on Wilkinson Street
The front lobby will remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m. Instructions will be available at the front desk on how to call for an escort to the appropriate office. Visitors are required to wear masks.
Athens Public Works
Offices are closed to walk-in traffic. Contact 256-233-8725 for more information.
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