SPRINGFIELD – Due to COVID-19 related reasons, Springfield City Hall will be closed to the public until Monday, Sept. 14.

Springfield City Manager Joe Stremcha said four City Hall team members tested positive for COVID-19 — one on Aug. 19, two on Aug. 24 and one on Aug. 31.

“Each (City Hall employee) began feeling symptoms at various stages during their quarantine/isolation,” Stremcha said. “We team members having various timelines for their return, we are needing to renew the closure of City Hall.”

Springfield City Hall was closed Thursday, Aug. 20 after one of it’s team members was diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19. City Hall was scheduled to re-open on Sept. 2 according to an August public advisory notice.

“Those in recent, prolonged contact with the individual were identified swiftly and isolated according to public health recommendations. We’re proceeding with an abundance of caution,” read the advisory.

“Team members have already begun to return, but it is necessary to continue operating under this model until we are able to be at full strength.”

City hall staff can be called at 507-723-3500 and the drop box in front of the building will continue to be used for all transactions.

“Title transfers will resume when the office re-opens, once we determine we can ensure the safety of our team members and the public,” read a Nixle advisory message sent last month.

Nixle is an online, public broadcast system that leverages the Internet to deliver timely and critical public safety information via email or text message. Subscribers can choose the information they want to receive, for the locations they choose.

Everyone in the community is reminded to actively practice social distancing and other Minnesota Department of Public Health guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community, read the advisory.

“We thank you for your patience and understanding as the city takes the necessary steps to keep employees safe and continue providing services,” concluded the advisory.

The next Springfield City Council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15 in the Springfield Area Community Center.

The City of Springfield website is https://www.springfield.mn.org/

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.