YOUNGSTOWN — The city’s water department will reopen to in-person customers on a reduced schedule starting Tuesday.

The department will start serving customers at its office on the first floor of city hall, 26 S. Phelps St., 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays for in-person payments.

The city health district approved a maximum of five customers in the lobby at a time. Once that number is reached, customers will be asked to wait outside until an opening is available.

“We understand these days and times are very limited, but in an abundance of caution for both our customers and employees, a gradual reopening is what is best for everyone,” Water Commissioner Harry L. Johnson III said.

Customers must wear a face mask and pass a temperature check that will be administered by security officers at the building’s entrance.

Also, all city employees entering the building will continue to have their temperature taken, be required to wear face masks and social distance, and have shared surfaces sanitized and disinfected frequently.

City Health Commissioner Erin Bishop ordered city hall closed March 18 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The building remains closed to the public except for the limited use of the water department starting Tuesday.

Public meetings, including city council, have been done virtually since city hall closed to the public.

news@tribtoday.com