ROCKINGHAM — The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles license plate office on Long Drive is temporarily closed.
A photo was posted on social media of a sign on the door reading that the office was closed on Friday due to an “emergency.”
A spokesman for the Department of Transportation said the DMV was notified around noon Friday that the office was closed so employees could be tested for COVID-19.
The spokesman said that if any of the employees test positive, the private company that contracts with the DMV would work with the Richmond County Health Department on procedures for reopening, including cleaning, which could take a few days.
The DMV later received notification that it would be closed until Sept. 7.
Most license plate offices around the state are operated by private companies.
The spokesman said there have been a few COVID-related closures throughout the state since the pandemic began, but each office has safety protocols in place to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus, including only letting one person in at a time.
Customers are encouraged to “stay home and stay safe” and handle renewals and other business online if it’s possible to do so, the spokesman said.
Renewals have been available online since before the pandemic.
UPDATED: 8-28-20 4:44 p.m.