Jonesboro mayor asks restaurants, businesses to operate via pick-up or delivery
City of Jonesboro limits public gatherings at all city properties to 50 people or less.
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - In addition to limiting public gatherings at all city properties to 50 people or less, city leaders are also calling on businesses and restaurants to limit their sales to pick-up or delivery.
On Sunday, Mayor Harold Perrin said all public city meetings, including the City Council meeting set for March 17, have been postponed and will be rescheduled. He also extended the closure of community and senior centers.
“All agenda items 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,” the release noted.
Perrin reiterated his request on Monday that residents and businesses heed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations of no gatherings greater than 50.
He also urged restaurants and businesses to operate, if feasible, via pick-up, delivery, or drive-thru service.
“The CDC and Arkansas Department of Health have made clear that this is an important practice to getting us through this period without bearing the worst of this illness, as other communities are,” Perrin said. “If someone contracts this disease, they won’t know it for a while. And they have a dangerous chance of spreading it to a loved one who is elderly or immune-deficient.”
Officials said they are following federal and state health guidelines, as well as the work of city medical director, Dr. Shane Speights.
Monitoring stations have been set up at the Jonesboro Municipal Center which requires employees and visitors to submit to fever checks.
Similar stations are set up for police officers and public works employees.
Jonesboro Animal Control asks the public to call ahead for both meetings and potential adoptees and surrenders or impounded animals.
Perrin said the coronavirus threat is anticipated to spread in Jonesboro in the coming weeks and months and that officials are working to impede the spread of the virus, including helping people understand that social distancing is important.
“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 and your loved ones,” Perrin said.
Municipal court is also postponed until at least March 27, but fines can still be paid at the Justice Complex.
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