North-side governments take steps to curtail spread of virus

Local governments north of Indianapolis are closing or reducing operations at their facilities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here’s a rundown:

Westfield

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook appeared in a video posted to social media Sunday announcing the city’s facilities are now closed, but city services will continue as normal. Westfield’s decision to close means Monday night’s city plan commission and next week’s city council meetings have been canceled.

Vicki Gardner, a spokesperson for the city, clarified in an email that those closures will remain in effect until further notice.

“We do not know how long we will have these buildings closed,” Gardner wrote. “All of our employees have remote capability and phones are being answered. The mayor is researching and following the advice of medical experts.”

Carmel

Carmel issued an announcement Sunday evening about reduced operations at its facilities, but the city is not closing its doors to the public.

City spokesman Dan McFeely said city hall is still being staffed for residents who need to conduct business in person. He said workers whose jobs don’t require face-to-face interactions have been asked to work remotely until March 18, when officials will reevaluate the need for extended social distancing.

The Carmel City Council’s twice-monthly public meetings and other city meetings also will proceed as normal, though, McFeely said council members are encouraging residents who planned to attend Monday night’s meeting to watch the livestream online and on local television.

At that meeting, the council will consider adopting an ordinance establishing up to 75 hours of paid leave to employees affected by the coronavirus.

Fishers, Noblesville and more

Though the city of Fishers has canceled or postponed several events, officials have not closed city facilities to the public. A city website indicates officials are working to reduce the number of external meetings, but any change to operations will be posted to the city’s social media pages.

Noblesville municipal buildings are operating on their normal schedules. Emily Gaylord, a spokesperson for the city, said that may change later Monday as city officials meet to discuss further actions.

Whitestown and Zionsville officials closed their respective town facilities on Thursday, until at least April 6, according to written statements.