Update: DMV call center re-opening after negative coronavirus test

The employee tested negative, DMV spokesman Steve Abbott said Tuesday morning.

The closure had been announced Monday, and Abbott said the center should re-open some time this morning.

Customers have complained of long hold times at the DMV – and at other state departments – during the ongoing crisis. The DMV said Monday that staffing at the call center is usually about 140 people, but with recent social distancing efforts has dropped to 65 employees.

The center's number is 919-715-7000.

The state Division of Motor Vehicles has closed its call center in Bladen County, the DMV said Monday.

For the time being, callers won't be able to get through on the 919-715-7000 customer service line, the state said. A call center employee is being tested for coronavirus, and the center is closed pending results, the DMV said in a statement.

Requests can go instead through the DMV's contact form online, scrolling down to "Ask NCDMV a Question" and clicking the appropriate link.

The DMV said the call center will reopen "as it is determined it is safe for the employees to return to work."

Customers have complained of long hold times at the DMV – and at other state departments – during the ongoing crisis. The DMV said Monday that staffing at the call center is usually about 140 people, but with recent social distancing efforts had dropped to 65 employees.