Trending
WHEELING -- The city of Wheeling is taking its first steps back toward normal procedures with the reopening of City offices on May 26, and the reinstatement of parking enforcement on June 1.
City Manager Robert Herron said it is time to look forward to reopening, but with the intention of keeping everyone safe and healthy, there will be guidelines in place for the public when visiting city offices at 1500 Chapline St.
"We are all anxious to get back to 'normal,' but we have to be cognizant that COVID-19 remains a factor in our day-to-day lives and we must take steps to do what we can to minimize risk," he said.
Developed in consultation with the Wheeling/Ohio County Health Department, guidelines for the public when visiting city offices include the following: wearing a mask or face covering is required; practice social distancing; if you have been sick within the last 48 hours or are currently not feeling well, please stay home; if you are in isolation because of pending test results, illness or illness of a family member, please stay home; wash hands frequently and utilize hand sanitizer located in public areas.
The county announced this week it was reopening some of its offices for business Monday, with many of the same policies and procedures in place.
Drop boxes will remain available in the lobby of the City-County Building for those who need to drop off building permit applications or for residents needing to pay utility bills or parking tickets.
The public is encouraged to continue utilize them.
Payments can also be made online at www.municipalonlinepayments.com/wheelingwv or by mail.
In addition to the re-opening of city offices, parking enforcement throughout the city will be reinstated on June 1. This includes street sweeper violations. Enforcement was suspended on March 24 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"With the stay-at-home order no longer in effect and Wheeling businesses reopening, we want customers of our business establishments to be able to find parking easily and to deter those who tend to use on-street parking all day. 'On street carry-out' restaurant parking accommodations will continue for the foreseeable future as requested by the applicable restaurants."
Herron noted that the situation with COVID-19 remains fluid, so changes with City plans could occur if necessary.
Meanwhile, the Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park will reopen to the public at 4 p.m. today. However, visitors to the park should take appropriate precautions in light of the coronavirus.
Herron said people should be aware that the high-touch areas at the facility will not be regularly sanitized nor will there be hand sanitizer on-site, so visitors may want to wear gloves or bring their own hand sanitizer.
"Surfaces like the gate to enter the dog park will not be regularly sanitized, so those utilizing the facility need to take their own preventative steps to stay healthy and safe," he said. "The city can't emphasize enough the need for social distancing and as such are relying on people to adhere to these important standards and thus enjoy this wonderful outdoor venue in a safe manner."
Herron added that dog park users should continue to follow the guidelines set down by the CDC, the Governor's office and the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask and should practice strict social distancing while there