Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin echoed the advice of President Trump and Gov. Hutchison in asking the public to postpone large gatherings in the City of Jonesboro.
The escalating prevalence of Covid-19, the coronavirus for which no vaccine has been created, will soon put stress not only on our health care system but has been deemed a state and national emergency.
“As mayor, I am asking you to follow the habits that we have implemented within city government – to reduce meetings in size and frequency, and allow all whose jobs permit to work from home,” Perrin said. “I believe it is the responsibility of each of us to report to the Arkansas Department of Health any gathering of more than 50 people.”
ADH has the legal authority to impose a quarantine to suppress the spread of contagious diseases. ADH and Centers for Disease Control guidelines recommend no gatherings of more than 50. President Trump asked for people to meet in groups of no more than 10, a safety measure that health agencies stress for the elderly or those with immune deficiencies.
While some businesses and restaurants remain open, many in Jonesboro have opted to provide free delivery or drive-thru and pick-up service only. Some are offering free and reduced meals to seniors and students, but no in-restaurant seating.
“I am deeply grateful to the businesses that have prioritized the safety of their community by doing take-out and delivery orders only, and the residents who understand the danger that this coronavirus presents to them and their loved ones,” Perrin said. “How we respond, right now, will play a huge role in the impact this virus has on Jonesboro over the rest of the year.”
As the City prepares to allow many employees to work remotely from home, it is doing fever checks for everyone, workers and visitors, who enter city buildings. Those who must report to work are practicing social distancing, and regular meetings of numerous employees will be held electronically in coming weeks and months.
“As city medical director Dr. Shane Speights has made clear that we expect no imminent end to this virus, we are preparing new ways of doing business for the months ahead,” Perrin said. “We want to lead by example.”