The county will be putting a portion of its employees on furlough starting Tuesday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The temporary furloughs will target “nonessential county personnel” that “will be determined by department and office needs along with employee seniority,” according to a prepared statement. The announcement doesn't specify the number of employees this will affect nor is there a mention of how departments will assess their needs.

According to Lorie Altman, director of human resources for the count, employees have the option to file for unemployment or take their paid time off.

“The commissioners have made the decision in conjunction with the court and elected officials regarding county operations and staffing,” said Commissioner Leslie Osche in a prepared statement. “Our primary concerns are to continue to provide services to county taxpayers as ensured in the Constitution while balancing the safety of our employees.”

According to the announcement, the furloughs are being done to help address concerns among some staff.

“We understand those who need to be at home and stay with their families,” Commissioner Kim Geyer said in the prepared statement.

The commissioners also enacted a resolution supporting the Pennsylvania primary election day be postponed from April 28 to June 2. The move comes after the county's commission declared a disaster emergency in the county last week.