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WINTON – Welcome back!

A shade over one year after being forced to close its doors to the general public due the COVID-19 pandemic, Hertford County local government offices are making plans to fully reopen next week.

County officials have targeted Monday, May 3 as the date that the county will resume regular operations. All county-owned offices, lobbies and public spaces will be opened to the community effective on that date.

County Manager David Cotton said that maximum occupancy restrictions will remain in place for the offices and public spaces.

“We will also continue to enforce best practices, to include social distancing, and facemasks for all,” said Cotton.

He added that the only deviation from the organization-wide opening, due to capacity limitations and

staffing, is the Department of Aging. On Monday, May 10, the Department of Aging will be implementing a phased opening with nutrition sites followed by a return of all other services in the coming weeks.

“This past year has tested our ingenuity and adaptability to continue to deliver necessary and essential services to our community,” Cotton noted. “During this unprecedented time, Hertford County government under the leadership of the Board of County Commissioners has risen to meet every challenge and overcome each obstacle to ensure that the service needs and expectations of our community are

met. We will strive to deliver our core services with exceptional quality and dedication to our community.”

Cotton added that the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine becoming more prevalent helped lead to the decision to reopen county offices.

The county’s State of Emergency Proclamation, enacted in March of last year, is still in effect. If appropriate, Cotton said it may be rescinded to coincide with the county’s reopening to the public on May 3. However, if it is determined that the State of Emergency needs to continue beyond May 3 it will not affect the county’s reopening plans.