Story and photo by Patricio Robayo

THOMPSON—According to the Town of Thompson's website, the town recently closed Town Hall to the public “due to a number of recent positive cases for COVID."

Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber Jr. said during the April 6 town board meeting, “We were advised [that] another employee and a family member tested positive, so we basically made the decision to shut down Town Hall completely to public access and send almost all the employees home.”

The Town Hall has been closed to the public since late March due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure, as well as for “deep cleaning” of the Town Hall and courtrooms.

The town recently posted this statement on their website, “In consultation with Sullivan County Public Health and on their advice, we are extending the closure of the Town Hall through April 16 and expect to re-open on Monday, April 19."

Another deep cleaning has been ordered this week, along with changing out all the air filters throughout the building.

“Everybody will pull together as best they can to deal with the public remotely and answer questions,” said Rieber.

Town Councilperson and pharmacist Scott Mace said, “Don't let your guard down; this is still out there. People seem to have relaxed and are not taking the precautions they used to; if you aren't vaccinated, please consider getting vaccinated. I respect your opinion on it, but please be educated about it.”

The town installed many safety precautions before the shutdown to keep their employees and residents safe, such as installing plexiglass between staff and the public and installing signage throughout the building, reminding the public to wear a mask and keep their distance, and sanitize their hands.

Rieber said in a statement, “Staffing in the Town Hall has been reduced to a minimum and where possible, employees are working from home electronically. Phones and email accounts will be monitored in order to conduct business remotely."

Rieber Jr. also said, “This action was necessitated for the safety of our staff and their families and the public due to the fact that we have had several positive COVID-19 instances in Town Hall.”