The Poplarville Board of Aldermen declared a local emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic at their meeting Tuesday night. The city is taking preventative measures in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The door to City Hall was locked for Tuesday night’s meeting, with a sign asking the public to watch the meeting via Facebook live stream, due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. A reporter from the Item was allowed to enter the meeting, although a local business person was turned away, after her questions about local business were answered by Mayor Rossie Creel.
Local businesses
Mayor Creel made it clear that the city is not asking or forcing local businesses to close. Whether businesses close or stay open is up to their own judgment, said Creel.
Impact on official city business
All public meetings, zoneing or code enforcement meetings, committee meetings, activities and events with over ten people present are cancelled. The city recommends private events with over ten people be cancelled or postponed. People should take precautions in gatherings, including proper hygiene and social distancing.
The Board requests members of the public not attend Board meetings unless they are on the agenda for a presentation. The meetings will be live streamed on Facebook.
City employees have been instructed to take precautions to maintain their health and safety. Only the drive through window at City Hall will be open to conduct business. The city’s public park and other public facilities are closed until further notice. All city-funded travel for city employees is suspended without Board approval.
There will be no water disconnections made by the city of Poplarville for the next 60 days.
Recommendations for Poplarville residents
The city recommends, in accordance with Mississippi State Department of Health guidelines that people 65 and older or with severe medical conditions not be in crowds of over 10 people.
People are asked not to visit locations where a virus has been verified and to practice social distancing, or keeping the space between themselves and others at six feet. People are also asked to call ahead before visiting a hospital or emergency room if they believe they have COVID-19.
People who have recently traveled are encouraged by the city to self-quarantine for 14 days.