RALEIGH, N.C. — The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is now battling the virus internally as pistol purchases and conceal carry permits have reached unprecedented numbers in the county.

The county confirmed Sunday that one staff member has tested positive and about 10 others have been exposed to that staff member. Cleaning crews are in the office disinfecting the close quarter cubical area where the permits are processed.

Sheriff Gerald Baker says this is not a job that can be done from home and it takes specially trained staff to processes the demands. They have issued over 32,000 permits this year, compared to about 10,000 this time last year.

He is emphasizing how historical these numbers are; it’s more than 2017, 2018, and 2019 combined. He says those who have tested positive and were exposed have been sent home and won’t be returning until they get tested again and it comes back negative.

“The pandemic is happening. It’s going to continue to affect this office and any other office, and other business. That’s just the nature of this beast,” Sheriff Bakers says.

He also says they will be bringing in staff they believe has not been exposed to take over as permit appointments are still rolling in. Between Monday and Tuesday, over 400 people will be coming through the doors for their appointments for purchase and conceal carry.

Sheriff’s office says they are trying to keep operations going and they are asking for patience from people.