Surry County’s government center and offices are now open to the public by appointment only.

Most of the county’s offices, excluding courts, social services and the voter registrar’s office, had been closed to the public since March 19 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although offices were closed to the public, county employees continued to work behind the scenes.

Offices reopened by appointment Oct. 20, the county said in a statement released that day. To make an appointment, the public should contact the department they desire to do business with before visiting. Upon arrival at the county government complex, at 45 School St. in the town of Surry, visitors should use the main entrance door on the right. All visitors entering the facility are required to wear face coverings and submit to a temperature check. If a visitor does not have face covering, one will be provided for free.

A security officer is present to guide all visitors to the district court or to the main corridor housing other offices. All non-court visitors to the building will be greeted by a county employee who will confirm the appointment; after confirmation, visitors will receive a badge and be directed or escorted to the pertinent department.

“The health and safety of employees and the public continue to be a priority during the COVID 19 crisis,” Surry County Administrator Melissa Rollins said in a statement. “Our plan for re-opening to the public has been slow but deliberate due to our small size and capacity required to best serve the public during the pandemic.”

Surry also encouraged residents to make use of a drop box or online payment of taxes in order to limit in-person interaction.The county has also installed shields and added self-reading temperature scanning stations to enhance safety. Officials reminded all citizens to stay home if they feel sick, wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.

“Our goal during the pandemic is to best serve the public under the conditions at hand, but to limit the amount of traffic that enters our facilities for the safety of citizens, visitors and employees,” the county said.

Questions regarding operations of a specific county department or office should be directed to that department.