MARTINS FERRY ­–Martins Ferry City Council will meet at Liberty Engine Fire Station at 6 p.m. today instead of in its chambers.

Since the city building once again is closed to the public that means the meetings must be held in a different location.

During a previous closure, council met at the Rec Center building. However, now that the Rec Center has reopened for business, council had to find another location.

Liberty is located at Fifth and Center streets.

The city building’s closure was prompted by an increase of COVID-19 cases in the region. One of the city’s employees also tested positive for the virus following a recent beach vacation trip.

That worker is now recovering at home. Several co-workers were placed on quarantine as a precaution.

“He got a second negative test; he should come back to work tomorrow,” Davies said Tuesday, adding, “He was the only one who tested positive.”

City council has followed social distancing measures during its meetings to help prevent the potential spread of the virus that has killed about 130,000 people in the United States since March. These measures include keeping apart by at least 6 feet and limiting the number of people who can attend the meetings.

Council President Kristine Davis said after tonight’s meeting council may start doing meetings via the Internet, using a service such as Zoom.

Prior to the regular meeting tonight, a public hearing regarding the estimated fiscal 2021 budget is set for 5:30 p.m.