Rampant spread of COVID closes some county, city buildings

The rampant spread of COVID in Mississippi (8,460 new cases today, 5,614 yesterday) has forced public officials to close some buildings to the public.

Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards has closed the Law Enforcement Center on Carter Avenue to the public. This includes the sheriff’s offices, the Justice Court and the county jail.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the sheriff’s department has five of seven full-time dispatchers, three of ten jail workers and at least three deputies out with COVID. One third of Justice Court workers are off work because of COVID.

“I hate to close the building,” said Edwards, “but feel like we must for the protection of our people and to protect the public.”

Sheriff’s deputies continue to make their routine patrols. Only emergency calls to 911 dispatchers should be made.

The Union County Sheriff’s Department currently has openings for both dispatchers and jailers. Interested applicants can call for information at 662-534-1941.

NAPD & City Court

County Board President C. J. Bright says the courthouse remains open to the public, “but the situation remains fluid and we will make changes if we must.”

In New Albany, the Police Department (NAPD) and City Court Buildings on Bankhead St. are closed to the public, but NAPD officers remain on the job.

New Albany Mayor Tim Kent said city hall remains open, but that is reviewed on a day-by-day basis.

NEW Albany Lights, Gas, and Water is operating short of key workers because of COVID.

Lee County Sheriff Jim H. Johnson told NEMiss.News that jail visitation and fingerprinting services have been suspended until further notice.