MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown officials have temporarily closed some non-essential city buildings and canceled most city programming through April 6.
The closure includes all branches of the Morgantown Public Library, city hall and municipal court.
City manager Paul Brake said services will still be provided to the public.
“During these closures, employees will be working remotely when at all possible,” Brake said. “While many non-essential services will be suspended, essential services will be maintained, including police and fire. Public works services will also be maintained.”
Brake said non-essential administrative paperwork like building permits can be turned in at the public safety building.
Fire Chief Mark Caravosos said they have a limited amount of protective equipment but expect more to be delivered by the end of the week. Police Chief Ed Preston said officers are prepared.
“They will be masked as well as the officers encountering them, it’s out of caution at this time,” Preston said. “We intend to restrict and reduce any potential spread to the officers and the public.”
Sarah Palfrey, the executive director of the Morgantown Public Library, said while the branches will be closed, residents can still access digital content.
The city council meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed until March 24 so technology can be added to allow the public to participate remotely.
Mayor Bill Kawecki said council members are still considering appropriate action to the crisis.
“We’re still deliberating about what we could or should do as a council and as a city, (and) what we might address what we can do appropriately,” Kawecki said. “Our main concern is the welfare of the community.”