MARLIN, TX — The city of Marlin says several employees at city hall have tested positive for COVID-19.
Mayor Caroyln Lofton says other employees are being tested today or will be tested tomorrow.
The Fire Department is sanitizing city hall routinely and continues to do so.
Due to state regulations, the city cannot enforce mask mandates however they will "strongly recommend" mask-wearing.
The police department facility will be closed to the public until further notice and all city staff will wear masks.
The names of those affected will not be released due to HIPAA guidelines.
Marlin is one of the first cities in our area to make these types of changes, since we have started seeing a spike COVID cases in Central Texas. City Leaders say they are taking this seriously the spread and keep everyone safe.
Marlin has seen a rise in COVID numbers over the past few weeks and now the virus is spreading in city hall.
“We tested all the staff they were present yesterday. We had a few that tested today that’s been there in the last couple of days,” said Mayor Carolyn Lofton.
Now, the police department building is closed to the public.
“Just out of an abundance of caution we want to make sure everyone is safe,” said Lofton.
Due to Governor Abbott’s executive order the city cannot issue a mask mandate, but they are asking the community to help.
“Anyone that is coming to City Hall were strongly recommending you were a mask just for your safety,” said Mayor Lofton.
“Or employees will be having a mask on so when we meet the public. We’re not only protecting ourselves but we’re protecting the public as well,” said City Manager Cedric Davis.
City leaders say they have a few officers quarantining, but they have reached out to the Falls County sheriff's office to help pick up the slack.
{Cedric Davis/City manager, Martin}
“As of right now all ships are being met. We want people to know that shifts are covered but notifying the sheriff that if we need help, we can get back Up officers,” said Davis.
City officials say that the fire department is cleaning out and sanitizing police cars, city hall and more.
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