All other Town Hall employees tested and results come back negative
On Tuesday, June 23, Highlands Town Manager Josh Ward was informed that an employee working in Town Hall tested positive for COVID-19.
Ward immediately contacted the Macon County Public Health Department and public health officials recommended all Town Hall employees be tested for COVID-19.
On Wednesday, June 24, those tests were administered at the Public Health Department in Franklin.
This afternoon, Mayor Pat Taylor said all test results came back negative, including himself and his wife, Sallie.
Taylor added that Ward was on vacation on June 24 and was tested this morning, his results are expected mid-week.
In the meantime, public health officials have advised the Town to further limit public access to Town Hall.
Ward is fully complying with this advisory. As many personnel as possible are now working from home.
No appointments are being scheduled for permits, licenses, and meetings with staff and elected officials. All protocols required by MCPH will be followed. Operations in Town Hall will return to the level prior to the identification of this COVID case when there are no other confirmed cases and public health officials say it is safe to do so.
The employee who has COVID 19 will be allowed to return to work once cleared to do so by public health staff.
Further questions can be directed to Ward; Emily Nickerson, Director of Personnel; or Mayor Patrick Taylor.