COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

Information on city actions in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will be posted on this page. (Employee information) .

Coronavirus Update graphic with coronavirus sketch and Winston-Salem logo

March 1, 2022

Joines Officially Lifts Citywide Mask Requirement Except for City Buildings.

Mayor Allen Joines officially rescinded Monday the city-wide mask requirement but left it in place for city buildings, for public transportation and for the Clark Campbell Transportation Center. Businesses, churches and other organizations are free to make their own requirements as to masks or other COVID-related measures.

Joines signed a 13th amendment to the State of Emergency declaration he initially issued March 13, 2020, rescinding the eighth, ninth and 10th amendments to the declaration. These amendments reinstated the citywide mask requirement, exempted performers and public speakers from wearing masks provided they were 10 feet away from others, and required masks at the Carolina Classic Fair and Bowman Gray Stadium football games

The 13th amendment also extends through March 31 two provisions relating to city buildings: the requirement that masks be worn in city buildings and facilities, with the exception of the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Truist Stadium, Bowman Gray Stadium, the M.C. Benton Convention Center “and any other facilities that were previously exempt”; and the requirement restricting in-person access to city buildings only to those with appointments. 

Read the full text of the amendment [PDF].

January 28, 2022

Mayor Allen Joines has extended through Feb. 28 his order restricting in-person access to city buildings only to those with appointments. The extension takes effect at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28.

On Jan. 7, Joines ordered that members of the public access city services “by use of City Link, drive-thru services, online platforms, and other electronic means, including, but not limited to, telephone and email, where possible.” 

Joines issued the Jan. 7 order to limit city employees’ exposure to COVID-19 in order to ensure continued delivery of city services. That order is due to expire Jan. 31. However, the positive test rate for COVID-19 in Forsyth County has continued to rise during January, and stood at 38.2 percent on Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Joines issued his latest order as the 12th amendment to the State of Emergency declaration he initially issued March 13, 2020. The order exempts the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Truist Stadium, the M.C. Benton Convention Center and the Clark Campbell Transportation Center “due to existing COVID-19 measures in place at these facilities.”

Read the full text of the amendment.

If you need to do business with the city, remember that most business with the city can be conducted online or over the phone. If you’re not sure, call CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000.

Select the tabs below for more details about city operations, virus prevention tips and official resources.

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September 29th, 2021

Mayor Allen Joines has ordered that masks, shields or other face coverings be worn by anyone attending the Carolina Classic Fair and Winston-Salem State University football games played at Bowman Gray Stadium. The order formalizes the City Council’s decision to proceed with the fair while requiring patrons to wear masks at the event.

Joines’ order applies to anyone “attending, working or participating in any manner” at the fair and the football games. It also states, “Persons violating this declaration may be ordered to leave the 2021 Carolina Classic Fair or any WSSU football game for noncompliance without a refund or compensation of any kind.”

The order provides seven exemptions, including religious beliefs, medical or behavioral conditions or disabilities and while actively eating or drinking.

Joines’ order was issued as a tenth amendment to the State of Emergency declaration he signed March 13, 2020.

Read the full text of the amendment.

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Bill Payments

Citizens who would like contactless payments for utilities or other services should use the city’s online payment system. Payment by check or cash can be made at the city’s drive-through payment windows on the back side of the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building (100 East First Street) or at the Black-Philips-Smith Government Office (2301 North Patterson Avenue). There is also a night depository at the Stuart Building near the Church Street employee entrance.

Citizens who want to pay in-person can visit the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Suite 121. A face covering is required for building entry. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit the Revenue counter, or request assistance at Utilities Customer Service.

City Link

City Link will remain open to receive citizen requests, process payments and provide information. Call 336-727-8000 or 311 within city limits.

Collections

Community Development

  • Proactive housing and environmental code enforcement are suspended until further notice.
  • Existing housing rehabilitation projects will continue. However, the Community Development Department will suspend accepting new applications, including emergency repairs.

Human Resources (Jobs)

Human Resources cannot accept walk-ins for job applications due to the closure of the Stuart Building. It is still accepting applications online.

Inspections Division

Contractors should conduct business online (BuildIT or IDT Plans) or over the phone (336-727-2624) as much as possible. Specific guidance is posted at the top of the Inspections Division page.

Parking Enforcement

On-street parking enforcement resumed on October 5. Tickets are being issued for violations.

Public Safety

  • The Police Department will continue to respond to life-saving emergencies, serious crimes in progress, crimes against persons, death investigations and other calls for service.
  • The Fire Department has suspended response to medical calls at assisted living facilities. County EMS will provide first response for these calls.

Streets Division

Routine street & drainage maintenance is suspended until further notice. Emergency work will continue to be performed.

Utilities

  • Charges for late fees resumed October 1. If you cannot pay by your due date, you must enroll in a payment plan. Monthly installments plus all new bills must be paid on time to avoid late fees and/or disconnection. Enroll by calling CityLink at 336-727-8000. You also can enroll in-person at the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Suite 121. You must wear a face covering to enter the building.
  • Residents can call City Link to set up water service.
  • The 3RC EnviroStation is open with some restrictions.

Vegetation Management

Mowing and landscaping are suspended until further notice.

WSTA

WSTA is running its Saturday schedule (6 a.m. to midnight) every day except Sunday. Routes 83 Express, 88, 95, 98, 100, 102 and 110 are not running. If you need help finding an alternate route, call WSTA at 336-727-2000.

Other Services

As part of the city’s Level 3 response plan, a variety of administrative and support functions not specified above have been suspended since Monday, April 6.