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In an abundance of caution, and in response to directives issued by Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health, effective Monday, March 23, the City of Andalusia is adding City Hall to the list of its facilities that are closed to the public, and the Covington County Commission is closing all county buildings the public.

The city has already closed the Adult Activity Center, the Andalusia Public Library, Animal Control Shelter, Springdale, and parks.

“We will continue to maintain all of our essential services, but will conduct business in different ways,” Mayor Earl Johnson said in announcing the decision during a forum on the coronavirus Friday morning.

“If you need to do business with our Utilities Department, you can use our convenient after-hours drop box, or our drive-through. If you need to establish new service, please call us at 222-1332, and we will work out the details,” he said.

“If you need to secure a business license or building permit, you can do that online. Visit our website at cityofandalusia.com, and following the links under the Planning and Development Department. If you have questions, please call us at 222-3312.

“If you need to make an appointment with the mayor’s office or clerk’s office, please call 222-3313,” he said.

For anyone who wants to apply for open jobs, please apply online at cityofandalusia.com, or contact our human resources department at 222-3312.

The city also will continue to operate its Senior Nutrition Center with delivery and drive-through services.

If you need to drop off an animal at the Andalusia Animal Shelter, please call ahead, and someone will meet you outside. The number is 222-8705.

“We regret any inconvenience caused by these decisions, but the safety of our employees and the general public are of our utmost concern,” the mayor said. “We look forward to returning to business as usual as soon as it is feasible to do so.”

The county will close the courthouse, jail and administration building, as well as the arena.

Sheriff Blake Turman said those who need to file warrants or do sheriff’s reports may do so on a case-by-case basis.

Those who have matters at the circuit clerk’s office will need to call that office.

The Probate office will still do involuntary commitments.

“Most of the stuff we do can be handled through emails, mail, phone calls,” said Chairman Greg White. “This forces you to do that. This is a very serious matter.”