WILMINGTON — “What a month this has been,” said Mayor John Stanforth at Thursday’s Wilmington City Council meeting, held via the GoToMeeting app.

During the meeting, Stanforth gave updates on city services and departments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He advised that the city’s transportation has been “hit hard.”

“Out of 51 drivers, we have 15 that are still driving,” he said. “Remember, our drivers tend to be an older workforce.”

He advised the transit system had been reduced to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they are waiving fees so drivers won’t have to handle money. He also advised local churches have notified him that they will volunteer as drivers if needed.

On the topic of voting, he said those wishing to vote in the primary — who haven’t already — should request a ballot which can be obtained either online (boe.ohio.gov/clinton) or through a “handwritten note” to the board.

According to the Board of Elections site, the request must be made by April 25 and returned by 7:30 p.m. on April 28 to the BOE dropbox. If returning by mail, voted ballots must be postmarked by April 27.

With the city landfill, collectors have been divided into two teams, with teams alternating every week. He also reminded listeners that pickups for recycling, brush and bulks, as well as dumpster rentals, have stopped for the time being.

The water and wastewater departments remain fully staffed, but staffers have been isolated during this time. Service crews remain. Much as with trash collecting, the service crew has been split into two crews, with each team working alternate weeks.

Shutoffs have been halted for the time being, but fees will still need to be paid.

As for the City Building, city hall is working with minimal staff, with anyone able to work from home doing so. Department supervisors have been checking employee temperatures when they come into work; public restrooms are closed off for now; and the court is working with half a staff. Custodians have been sanitizing surfaces on an hourly basis.

“We’re really trying to be proactive in stopping the spread of germs at city hall,” said Stanforth.

With emergency services, dispatchers have been isolated, and the fire and police departments have plenty of M95 masks. Police officers are not going into homes unless absolutely necessary, and they are wearing gloves when checking driver’s licenses.

“I want to thank each of the departments for their leadership and decision-making in these difficult times,” Stanforth said.