“As we come together as a community during this global pandemic, be rest assured Lehigh County is remaining proactive as we closely monitor the COVID-19 virus,” Executive Phillips M. Armstrong said in a statement March 20. “The situation continues to be extremely active and it is my role as county executive to keep the community informed on how Lehigh County will handle this crisis.

“Over the last week, as the federal and state government calls for more social distancing to help contain the virus, the government center has restricted all visitors. It is with this decision that we take a further step in allowing employees who are able to work from home to do so, while providing a flexible schedule for others who must remain in the building. This is to limit as much exposure as we possible can and keep our workers safe.”

Armstrong said the Government Center has not shut down and is still working diligently for residents.

“I would like to thank all of our dedicated employees and workers who work tirelessly around the clock for those vulnerable to this disease.

Thank you to:

•All 900 of our dedicated staff members of Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation, who provide outstanding care to our residents.

•All 200 employees at Lehigh County Jail who provide protection for our inmates, families and loved ones

•Our devoted Emergency Operations Center staff and 60-plus 911 operators on standby ready to help those in need at this time.

•All members of our maintenance staff who work to sanitize and disinfect our buildings, office spaces and public areas.

“Our courthouse followed similar practices and put limitations to what is accessible to the public during this time. Please consult the homepage of their website for further instruction on what is closed.

“This is no time for despair. This is a time for our community to come together and practice common sense methods in order to maintain the spread of COVID-19.

“The health and wellbeing of Lehigh County is always of utmost importance. While the situation with the COVID-19 virus is changing every day, I will continue frequent communication with you all to keep you up to date on what’s happening within Lehigh County.”