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Franklin has adjusted its mask policy for city buildings as a result of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the city.

Amanda C. Jarratt, Franklin’s city manager, shared multiple COVID-related details during her report to the City Council on Aug. 9, including that the status of the City of Franklin had been moved to a high risk of spread locality by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In an Aug. 13 email interview, she shared what the increase in cases and this status change with the CDC meant for Franklin on a practical level.

“Masks are now required in city buildings regardless of vaccination status,” she said. “The CDC website outlines the recommendations for high transmission communities.”

The website she was referring to is www.cdc.gov.

She reported to council members that vaccinations continue to be administered through various avenues within the Western Tidewater Health District and other venues.

Jarratt also provided the council with an update on the COVID-19 Municipal Relief Fund.

“COVID-19 Municipal Relief Fund payments are available for accounts that are 30 days past due,” she stated in an Aug. 5 report found within the Aug. 9 meeting packet. “These payments are for water, sewer and electric usage only. It will not pay for garbage usage, late fees, penalties nor taxes.”

She noted that an application is needed for each payment, and payments are not guaranteed. 

“They will be made on a first come, first serve basis until the fund is depleted,” she wrote in the report. “As of this writing there is $27,244.25 remaining in the above-referenced fund. By the end of this week, 181 customers will have received $115,329.25 in aid in the last 30 days. Cutoffs for nonpayment will resume on Aug. 30.”