For the first time in recent memory, Stanly County Manager Andy Lucas was not in attendance for a regular meeting of the county’s Board of Commissioners.

Lucas attended the meeting via conference call Monday after Chairman Bill Lawhon stated he was attending virtually because of having contracted COVID-19.

The county manager said via text Tuesday he is working remotely “and speaking regularly with (county) department heads to ensure they have all the support and guidance needed to carry out our programs and services.” He will be back in the office Jan. 11.

“This virus can attack you regardless of the safety measures you put in place,” Lawhon said at Monday’s meeting. “I know a number of my friends are currently battling COVID. Knock on wood, I have not and my wife has not yet. Hopefully, we will not.”

Lucas then presented items remotely for the board regarding appointments to the Stanly County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction representative for the Stanfield planning board, the budget calendar for the 2021-22 fiscal year and the date for the board’s strategic planning retreat.

Stanly County Planning Manager Bob Remsburg was approved to the county’s CVB board, while Audie Lowery of Stanfield was appointed to the town’s ETJ board.

The Board established Feb. 12 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as a potential strategic planning retreat. The location will be chosen at a later date by Lucas to allow for social distancing.