On Monday, Montezuma County offices and local businesses began a phased, partial reopening with restrictions to protect against COVID-19.

Officials encourage the public to make appointments before visiting and conduct business by email, phone, video and internet if possible.

Social Services reopened its main window. Customers enter one at a time, and must stand 6 feet apart while in line outside. Staff and customers must wear masks. Documents can be dropped off at a box at the front door.

More hand-sanitizer dispensers have been installed throughout county buildings, said county administrator Shak Powers.

Departments, including planning, natural resources, clerk and recorder, administration, treasurer and assessor are open by appointment.

The Clerk and Recorder’s Office will allow a limited number of customers in the office beginning next week, said clerk and recorder Kim Percell.

Only five people will be allowed in at a time. Customers and staff must wear masks, and everyone stays 6 feet apart. Plexiglas has been installed between customers and technicians. Nobody with COVID-19 symptoms may enter. Veteran Services has reopened its office at the county annex. The county fairgrounds have reopened the indoor arena with social-distancing restrictions.

Local businesses are beginning to reopen as well.

The new state COVID-19-prevention rules allow for retail curbside delivery and sales beginning this week.

At Kokopelli Bike and Board, business has been moved to the alley. Customers asking for products, bikes and repair services remain outside while practicing social distancing.

“It’s been fairly busy,” said owner Pete Eschallier, as customers walked up.

Bikes are washed down before going inside for repair, and then again before going back to the customer.

Kokopelli was awarded funding from the Paycheck Protection Program to get through the pandemic, and has kept employees working on staggered shifts.