Donora OKs plexiglass to prepare for reopening

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

Donora will order plexiglass for the administration office and the police station in preparation for the reopening of government offices.

The plexiglass will form a barrier between those who work in the office and members of the public who need to come in for borough business once Washington County is moved into the yellow phase of reopening.

The plexiglass will also make it possible for police officers to talk to residents more safely.

Councilwoman Jane Ackerman questioned the need for plexiglass in the police station because it has an electronic door to regulate who comes in and out.

Mayor Jim McDonough said he thinks the county could join the yellow phase next week and the offices will need to be open, but with the ability to protect employees with sneeze and cough guards in place. 

McDonough said the plexiglass will protect the police while providing the public with access.

Solicitor Steve Toprani said the plexiglass conforms to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines because people with coronavirus can be asymptomatic and the barrier will protect against those not wearing masks.

Ackerman asked why the police station couldn’t require visitors to wear masks and gloves.

McDonough said there may be times when it’s not possible for a police officer to meet with someone to discuss an emergency outside on the sidewalk and people in need may not have a mask with them at the time they need police.

“These things coming up now are not in the budget,” Ackerman said.

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