Access to include screening, appointments
Reynolds
Escambia County (Ala.) Commission Chairman Karean Reynolds announced Monday that the courthouse in Brewton and the satellite courthouse in Atmore will remain closed to the public through April 17, but beginning April 6, limited access will be available.
During a special commission meeting on March 17, the board voted to close the courthouse to the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Numbers were posted on the front door of the courthouse for people needing to contact individual offices.
Reynolds said effective April 6 the public's limited access to the courthouse will be available for time-sensitive matters that cannot be completed by telephone, by mail, or online. Admission to the courthouse will be by appointment only.
Reynolds said the probate office, tax collector's office and tax assessor's office will be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If a person's transaction requires someone's personal presence in an office, the office will make an appointment.
The probate office can be reached at 251-867-0301, the tax collector's office can be reached at 251-867-0209 or 251-867-0213 and the tax assessor's office can be reached at 251-867-0214.
Reynolds also said citizens are urged to take reasonable health and safety precautions prior to an appointment and those entering the courthouse will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the building.
He also said by order of the Alabama Supreme Court, the district and circuit courts will continue to be open only for essential actions. For questions concerning courts, call the circuit clerk's office at 251-867-0225.
"The county commission encourages everyone to continue practicing social distancing," Reynolds said. "This is an effective approach to controlling the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the information as it is provided and constantly reassess the situation on a daily basis."
"The most important thing is that everyone in the community do their part to stay informed and to recognize that everyone in the community has a responsibility to help reduce the spread of COVID-19," Reynolds added.
Anyone needing information from the Escambia County Alabama Transit System (ECATS) can call 251-867-0584; the emergency management agency at 251-867-0232 and voter information at 251-867-0243.
