Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dallas County Public Works (DCPW) department has continued service as an essential department. Some staff members have continued their important work in the field while others have shifted to working remotely. “We have implemented social distancing practices and utilized technology to manage the risk to our partners and staff,” said Public Works Director Alberta Blair, P.E. “We are proud of the high level of service we have been able to maintain under these difficult circumstances.”

“We are proud of the high level of service we have been able to maintain under these difficult circumstances.”

Alberta Blair, P.E., Public Works Director

In the field, DCPW project managers and inspectors have modified their work routines to keep DCPW workers, contractors and partners safe by prioritizing sanitary practices and social distancing. Health and safety procedures implemented include temperature checks, handwashing and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Sanitary procedures are reevaluated and discussed during weekly teleconference construction meetings.   

Currently, DCPW is preparing to safely return to and publicly reopen its 411 Elm Street office when the Dallas County COVID-19 disaster declaration ends. The department is sanitizing its office and establishing cleaning protocols to maintain a safe working environment. Upon reopening, the department will be able to welcome visitors to its office on a by-appointment basis. “We are confident that we will create a ‘new normal’ service level that allows DCPW to be just as responsive to the needs of the County as we were prior to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Blair.