Coronavirus: Springfield to close city buildings to the public amid concerns

In response to coronavirus concerns, the City of Springfield has closed all government buildings to the public as of noon Monday.

Those buildings will remain closed until further notice, according to Valerie Lough, Community Information Coordinator with the City of Springfield.

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City leaders and staff met on Friday to discuss actions that the city can take in terms of preventive measures regarding the coronavirus, according to news release from the city.

That includes equipping workers with sanitizing materials. The news release also said that the city was looking at ways to limit unnecessary in-person staff meetings as well as preparing emergency operations plans, both as precautions.

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In addition, the city announced that it will suspend residential water disconnections on past due accounts in the meantime. The decision comes in “the midst of a coronavirus pandemic that may compromise local families’ means to meet financial obligations,” according to the news release.

However, city officials encouraged residents to continue to pay their utility bills if able, but clarified that the city will not shut off their water due to non-payment at this time. Payments can be made at www. springfieldohio.gov or at one of two payment drop off boxes; located on Fountain Avenue near City Hall, or at the Service Center located 2100 Lagonda Ave.

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Lough said that credit card fees will be temporarily waived for online utility payments.

That policy went into effect on Saturday and will extend through April 15, when the situation will be reassessed to determine if a longer period is required, according to city officials.