FAIRMONT — Martin County commissioners met in an emergency session Wednesday to take action in response to the ever-evolving impact of COVID-19.

Commissioners approved and signed an emergency disaster declaration and took measures to provide protection for county workers.

Emergency Management director Abigail Nesbit opened the meeting with an update on COVID-19 cases in Martin County.

“This morning we were notified that we have two positive cases here in Martin County,” she said. “One of them is in their 60s and they are in the hospital. Another is in their 50s and they are at home. We can’t know the location of that for [patient privacy] reasons. One of those is travel-related and one is community spread. Public Health is working on figuring out who’s been in contact with who.”

Nesbit encouraged the board to sign the emergency declaration, which declares Martin County to be in a state of emergency for conditions resulting from the COVID-19 event of 2020. Unanimous approval was given.

Nesbit will work to update the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and Twitter.

Turning to a related matter, the board approved restrictions for public access to county offices. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the safety of the citizens and county employees, it was recommended that the public not be able to access services on a walk-in basis for county offices.

County services and operations will continue to be provided as deemed necessary by telephone, email or special appointment.

However, the Courthouse doors will be open for courts and other county-related meetings and appointments.

In other action, the board approved an emergency remote work policy for employees, in which Martin County may allow or require employees to temporarily work remotely to ensure business continuity.