DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office will be temporarily closing its lobby starting Tuesday, December 21, due to an increase of COVID-19 cases in the area.
Residents will still be able to renew pistol permits through the sheriff's office's website. The lobby will reopen on January 4, 2021.
DCSO asks that you call 256-845-3801 for jail related needs or reports.
"Sometimes decisions made are not the easiest ones, but you have to make sure they are the right ones. With the safety and health issues we are faced with in today's time, it is more important than ever to make sure the proper decisions are made. This not only protects our family at DCSO, but it very well may protect yours. I pray for healing among all families, and together we will more forward," Sheriff Nick Welden said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.
The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health.