For the health and safety of the public and the employees of Freeborn County, all public access to the Freeborn County Government Center, Department of Human Services and the Highway Department will be “severely limited” until at least April 15, according to county press release.

Emergency services will not be interrupted. The 911 dispatch center will remain accessible in the Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center. Staff from the county will work normal hours and will be available via phone and email. Access to all county buildings will be permitted on an appointment or urgent basis. County administration is considering working on a plan as to how to conduct board meetings.

Freeborn County Public Health highly encourages residents to limit exposure to the general community and remain home unless absolutely necessary, according to the release. Access to all county buildings will continue on a limited basis.

County employees continue to meet frequently to develop and implement the local response plan for COVID 19. As this situation is fluid, residents are encouraged to check the social media and webpages of the city of Albert Lea and Freeborn County for updates, the release stated.