TEMPLE, TX — The City of Temple will close certain facilities to walk-in customers until next year due to a rise of COVID-19 cases in the city and Bell County.
The closure will begin Friday, November 20.
“We are seeing an increase in positive cases among city staff, so we want to remain proactive in our efforts to ensure the health and safety of our employees and our community,” City Manager Brynn Myers said. “This decision was made to protect our community and our staff, and to do our part to help prevent community spread. Our intent is to minimize the chance of spreading the virus.”
The City says services at the following facilities will be available online, by phone, by appointment, curbside or drive-thru service delivery. Walk-in services will not be available through January 18.
- Municipal Building/City Hall
- Human Resources
- Temple Public Library
- Historic Post Office
- Parks and Recreation Administration Building
- Public Works Service Center
- Hillcrest Cemetery
- Utility Business Office/Municipal Court
The closure is not a city-wide mandate and only applies to the named facilities.
“As we head into the holidays, we want to take measures to keep our community and staff safe,” Myers said. “By telecommuting during this time, we reduce the potential for community spread and hopefully impact the virus’ transmission at a critical time.”
The City says there have been 43 positive cases among city staff since March. However, 56% of those cases have occurred in the last 30 days.
“While telecommuting, we will operate at full capacity and will continue to provide services to our community,” Myers said. “We will continue to closely monitor the data and if we see an individual facility, office or team with an increased rate of infection or exposure, we will implement additional measures specific for that area.”
City employees who have been identified as able to telecommute will be required to do so to the greatest extent possible.
