Tuscaloosa County commissioners passed an emergency declaration at a last-minute meeting Monday.

County government functions remain in operation, but Commission Chairman Rob Robertson urged people to conduct business via telephone or through the county’s website, if possible.

"We will look at how we need to adjust this as we go forward," he said. "Our intent is to continue to provide the services we normally do as long as possible in the days to come."

Court proceedings have been canceled after an order by the state’s Administrative Office of the Courts, but people can contact judge’s offices by telephone with questions.

The Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency has encouraged people to receive updates and information by signing up for text alerts by sending the message "COVIDTUSC" to 888777.

"We want to make sure that everyone is aware that while we are uncertain as a community what the days ahead hold, that this commission and all the departments of the Tuscaloosa County Commission are unified and prepared to work through whatever comes," Robertson said.

The commission, which usually directs funds to the county’s 21 volunteer fire departments during the summer, is planning to go ahead and give each department its annual contribution. Each department will also receive an additional $2,000 reimbursement supplement to offset the costs of gasoline and items such as protective gloves and masks.

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Ron Abernathy said deputies have been wearing protective items while responding to criminal and medical calls. The amount of time inmates remain in a holding cell at the county jail has been extended rather than integrating new inmates immediately into the jail population, he said.

"The key thing I want to stress is that everyone is working together," Abernathy said.