On Monday, Montezuma County offices and local businesses began a phased, partial reopening with restrictions to protect against COVID-19.
Officials encourage the public to make appointments before visiting, work to conduct business via email, phone, video conferencing and the internet if possible
Social Services reopened their main window. Customers enter one at a time, and must stand 6 feet apart while in line outside. Staff and customers must wear masks. Documents can be dropped off at a box at the front door.
More hand dispensers have been installed throughout county buildings, said county administrator Shak Powers.
The other departments, including planning, natural resources, clerk and recorder, administration, treasurer and assessor remain by appointment only.
The Clerk and Recorder’s Office will begin allowing a limited amount of customers in the office beginning next week, said clerk and recorder Kim Percell.
Only five will be allowed in at a time. Customers and staff must wear masks, and everyone stays 6 feet apart. Plexiglas has been installed between customers and technicians. Nobody with COVID-19 symptoms may enter.
Local businesses are beginning to open as well.
The new state COVID-19 prevention rules allow for retail curbside delivery and sales beginning this week.
At Kokopelli Bike and Board, business has been moved to the alley. Customers asking for products, bikes, and repair services remain outside while practicing social distancing.
“It’s been fairly busy,” said owner Pete Eschallier, as customers walked up.
Bikes are washed down before they come in for repair, and then again before given back to the customer, he said.
Kokopelli was awarded funding from the Paycheck Protection Program to get through the pandemic crisis, and has kept employees working on staggered shifts.
