CLEARFIELD – Though all Clearfield County buildings generally remain closed to the public, any non-employee must wear a mask to enter, effective immediately.
This measure is being implemented in accordance with new guidance from Gov. Tom Wolf’s office, said Commissioner Dave Glass on Thursday.
He reminded that public access to the county buildings remains limited to only those who have scheduled court appearances and advance appointments, and they must wear a mask.
Glass said security guards will only have a “limited supply” of disposable masks on-hand, and if that supply runs out, anyone without a mask will not be permitted to enter.
He said department heads were notified via e-mail Thursday to remind anyone appearing for an appointment to provide their own mask, if possible, to conserve the county’s supply.
Glass said anyone granted entry must wear a mask throughout the building as a public safety measure. If someone enters a county office with their mask removed, they’ll be asked to put it back on.
Anyone who refuses to comply with this requirement will be asked to leave, he said, and security will be contacted, if necessary.
While employees are not being required to wear masks, Glass said it has been strongly encouraged, especially during any interactions with the public.
He said that as with other state guidance, county governments are exempt, and responsible for implementing their own measures.
County officials currently don’t intend to implement additional measures, such as temperature checks, he said, noting that could change if circumstances call for it.
“As before, if someone appears ill, they will be denied entry,” Glass said, and employees are also urged not to come into work if they don’t feel well.
He said it’s important for employees and the public to continue to practice the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s social distancing guidelines to the maximum extent possible.
“We also … emphasize that even after we fully re-open, some … measures will remain,” Glass said. “The end of the shutdown will not mean the end of the virus.”