The City of Jonesboro is extending closures of community and senior centers and limiting public gatherings on all city properties to 50 or less, Mayor Harold Perrin announced Sunday.
All public city meetings, including Tuesday’s City Council, will be postponed and rescheduled when a plan that will ensure the safety of all participants is deployed.
Any agenda item will automatically be included in the rescheduled meeting. Anyone who has official business with the city is encouraged to contact the city by phone or email to determine whether an in-person meeting is necessary.
“We are implementing procedures recommended by the CDC, Arkansas Department of Health and our own medical director, Dr. Shane Speights of NYIT,” Perrin said.
City operations will continue, and administrators are working to create policies that will keep employees safe and healthy. All employees should report as usual unless notified by department directors.
The City’s response involves critical measures to impede the spread of coronavirus in Jonesboro.
Perrin also issued a statement regarding the anticipated growth of coronavirus in Jonesboro in coming weeks and months.
The CDC and ADH also warn that social distancing is the most important practice for businesses, churches, agencies and even families.
“As your mayor, I am concerned that Jonesboro residents are not taking the advice of social distancing seriously enough.
“Separation — at least six feet — is the best way for us to prevent coronavirus from having a devastating effect on you or your loved ones.
“We are determining what functions that city employees will perform during this emergency on a continuing basis as this situation evolves.
Remember, the state Health Department and CDC warned us weeks ago that this will be a process that changes rapidly.
“I am meeting with medical experts, including Dr. Speights and state leaders, multiple times a day. And we will continue these meetings by telephone daily as this plays out.
“This is something that everyone should take seriously. This is a growing emergency that requires a smart response. Buying up toilet paper and other such items is not the solution.
“Social distancing — a phrase you should be becoming familiar with — is smart. And critical.
“This is difficult not only because we enjoy gathering with our friends and loved ones, but we often use our elder family members as babysitters for our children.
“During this crisis, I implore you to rethink these practices and let caution be your guide for the near future until this virus is under control.
“While this is a critical time in our history, this is an event that we endure gracefully. We have always pulled the rope together during emergencies and difficult times, and this is simply another one.
“We have to address this together.”
To contact any city department, please go online to jonesboro.org or call the Municipal Center to contact employees of the various departments.
This is a press release from the City of Jonesboro.
