(KNZA)--The Brown County Courthouse will remain closed to the public until May 18.

The Brown County Commission voted Thursday to extend the closure to allow time for a re-opening plan to be developed and to acquire adequate supplies for disinfecting.

The Commission made the decison after hearing input from county department heads.

The Courthouse has been closed to the public since March 19 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents are urged to conduct county business by mail or electronically. There will be limited staff in county offices, who can be contacted by phone during regular business hours.

The Commission set a special meeting for 8:30 Friday morning to discuss how to proceed with allowing local businesses to open to the public.  The meeting will be broadcast live on the county's Facebook page.