photo by: Chris Conde/Journal-World File Photo

The Douglas County Courthouse is pictured in September 2018.

As the state began to lift restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic on Monday, Douglas County offices were set to remain closed to the public for another two weeks.

The county recently announced in a news release that it would continue its restrictions on public access to its facilities until at least May 18. In the meantime, the county will continue to offer its services through remote options, such as by phone or email.

County Administrator Sarah Plinsky said in the news release that the decision was made with the public’s health in mind.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our community and employees,” Plinsky said. “All essential services remain operational and employees are ready to assist the public by phone and email.”

The restrictions apply to the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.; the county’s downtown office building, 1006 New Hampshire St.; Douglas County Fairgrounds buildings and arenas, 2120 Harper St.; Douglas County Public Works and Zoning and Codes, 3755 E. 25th St.; and the county’s human services facility, 2518 Ridge Court. Additionally, all satellite locations for the county treasurer’s office are closed.

The county announced the continued restrictions shortly after Gov. Laura Kelly laid out the state’s plan to gradually lift its orders. Phase one of the state’s reopening began Monday.

Although the state’s stay-at-home order has been lifted, Kelly said other restrictions would remain in place until at least May 18, when the second phase of the state’s reopening plan begins, the Journal-World has reported. Those restrictions include an order of no gatherings of more than 10 people and the continued closure of many businesses. Further lifting of restrictions are expected on June 1.

The county first closed its facilities to the public on March 18. While its facilities have been closed, its offices have continued to serve the public.

Many of the services provided through the offices of the county’s appraiser, clerk, treasurer and register of deeds — such as paying taxes, searching real estate records and applying for fishing and hunting licenses, among other things — can be done online, on the phone or through mail. Additionally, the second half payment of 2020 property taxes in Douglas County are due on Sunday, May 10.

Detailed ways to pay taxes or access county services are listed in a post on the front page of the Douglas County website, douglascountyks.org.