COVID-19: County Operations

Our goals are to keep our community healthy, use resources wisely and support the wellbeing of our employees. Employees will receive job-related updates as decisions are made. Weekly organizational updates will be distributed through DirectConnect and ongoing, current information will reside here.

County processes and updates

Time clock: We will continue to use the Kronos system. IAM regularly sanitizes the clocks and has installed hand sanitizer stations at each clock location. Other time clock options are available and vary by role, but may include clocking in from your desk computer or phone, or manual adjustments by your supervisor.

Face-to-face interactions: If your role requires face-to-face interactions with the public, consider options to minimize exposure. Follow department directives, which may include setting appointments, calling individuals who’ve scheduled appointments to see if they’re experiencing symptoms, keeping a six-foot distance between you and the individual, and using phone and virtual options when possible.

If you are interviewing potential employees, consider phone and virtual first-round interviews.

Use phone or virtual meetings when possible and remember you can watch Board of Commissioner meetings online at www.cabarruscounty.us/live.

Cleaning: Following federal recommendations, the County will continue its regular cleaning procedures. In general, employees who are not responsible for facility care will not receive cleaning supplies. The exception includes employees who will receive specialized training and supplies for job-specifics tasks.

General guidelines: Follow sensible precautions when using door handles, holding railings and pushing elevator buttons. Wash hands after touching common touch points like railings, door handles, elevator buttons, and copiers.

Travel policy modifications

Business travel and meetings: Effective immediately and until further notice, the County has suspended all non-essential business travel. Employees must receive approval from their department head and the county manager/deputy county manager prior to essential business travel. Employees should cancel upcoming non-essential travel arrangements, unless the travel takes place June 1 or later. As we near the June 1 date, the County will provide follow-up communication.

Essential business travel is limited to instances where:

• It is not possible to conduct business without face-to-face interaction or visiting a specific location
• Travel has been approved by Department Head and Risk Management
• The destination is not experiencing sustained community transmission of COVID-19

Personal travel: Consider federal travel advisories before planning your next vacation. To mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19, employees will need to share details of planned personal travel with their manager at the time of the request. Managers will carefully review requests to assure they align with current travel and self-quarantine recommendations.

Per Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, employees should follow these guidelines in regards to domestic and international travel:not physically return to work for at least 14 days following return to the country if they have:

• International travel during COVID-19
• Returning cruise voyages 

Facility closures

At this time, there are no current operations closed for COVID-19, but in accordance with CDC recommendations, NC Governor Updates, Cabarrus Health Alliance directives, and Cabarrus County updates, certain operations or buildings might close to better protect our patrons and staff. 

A release with additional information on these closures can be found on the County website.

If your facility has closed, management will provide employees with detailed information on relevant considerations. Teamwork is important in times like this. Given the nature of our work to provide essential services, employees may receive temporary reassignments that support other County departments. As we face difficult decisions, we appreciate your understanding and flexibility in making the best use of our collaborative model.

Public event schedule modifications

The County first modified its event schedule on March 10 following the NC Department of Health and Human Services recommendation that those over 65 or those with underlying health conditions avoid large gatherings. In the days since, management worked with departments to determine the best solutions to meet official recommendations.

LunchPlus senior meal program: Beginning Monday, March 16, the County’s LunchPlus Club program will only offer drive-through pick-up service between 11:15 am and 12:45 pm. Participants must reserve meals by calling their LunchPlus site or responding to program robocalls. Going forward, the Logan Center LunchPlus Club will relocate to the Cabarrus County Senior Center, Concord (331 Corban Ave. SE). LunchPlus offers meals to seniors Monday through Friday. For more information on LunchPlus, call 704-920-1400.