Modesto, other cities restrict City Hall access due to coronavirus. Not all is closed
Modesto and Turlock officials announced Monday they will restrict public access to their city halls due to the coronavirus.
That was among several steps by local governments aimed at slowing the virus, which has infected five Stanislaus County residents at last report.
Utility services and police and fire departments remain in full operation, as does public transit. County libraries are open for brief visits only, and most parks remain available.
Residents are asked to avoid crowds and to follow hand-washing tips as part of the effort. Local government websites have information on paying utility bills online and related topics.
Modesto announced that it will suspend public counter service at city departments through April 6. People needing help with utility bills and various other matters can call 209-577-5200 or visit www.modestogov.com.
“Essential services, include waste collection, water and sewer operations, and transit will continue as normal,” city spokesman Thomas Reeves said in an email.
Modesto Area Express has stepped up cleaning of its buses during the emergency. All of the drivers have their own hand sanitizers.
Law-enforcement agencies in Modesto and beyond are asking the public to use online and telephone reporting systems for non-emergency crimes.
Turlock’s measures
Public access to Turlock City Hall will be limited from Wednesday through at least March 31, a news release said.
Emergency services will keep operating, as will public transit. Parks will stay open, but children’s playgrounds will be off-limits because of a shortage of cleaning products. Park rentals are canceled through April.
“We are balancing the social distancing efforts and the ability to continue serving the community,” Mayor Amy Bublak said in the release.
More information on utility bill payments and other topics is at www.cityofturlock.org.
Ceres, other cities
Ceres has closed its city facilities to the public until further notice. More information is at www.ci.ceres.ca.us.
Oakdale has restricted access to City Hall and a few other public buildings through March 31. The T.L. Davis Sports Park is closed, but other parks are open. Details are at www.oakdalegov.com.
Patterson has closed the public counters at City Hall and the Parks and Recreation Department until further notice. Details are at www.ci.patterson.ca.us.
Riverbank is restricting public access at City Hall through at least Friday. Details are at www.riverbank.org.
Newman has restricted public access to city facilities, suspended recreational programs and canceled building and park rentals until further notice. Details are at www.cityofnewman.com.
Hughson has barred the public from City Hall, the Senior Center, the United Samaritan Foundation Center, the corporation yard and the wastewater plant. Details at www.hughson.org.
Waterford has not ordered specific restrictions but did post general advice about the coronavirus on its website.
The Stanislaus County Library remains open for brief visits. The “popup” location in Turlock that was to provide service during the year-long expansion of that branch is closed. The other sites are getting extra cleaning. Story times for children and other events are canceled through March.
Meanwhile, join Richard Murdock, assistant director of the Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services, Sheriff Jeff Dirkse and Kristin Olsen, chairwoman of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, for a Facebook live discussion titled: “Conversation about COVID-19.” It starts Wednesday at 5 p.m. on the Stan Emergency Facebook page.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 4:30 AM.
