North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith issued a proclamation declaring a public health emergency in the city in the wake of a growing coronavirus outbreak.
Smith’s proclamation follows similar announcements from Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who declared a statewide public health emergency on March 11 and Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.
According to a city news release, the purpose of the declaration is to “protect public health, ensure public safety and render emergency relief.”
As part of the declaration, the city is recommending that all “nonessential public meetings” that involve more than 25 people be postponed; and discouraging nonessential individuals from attending the North Little Rock City Council meeting on Monday, March 23 and encouraging individuals to watch the meeting online.
The city has already closed all community centers, adult fitness centers, The William F Laman Public Library (Main Branch and Argenta Branch), and the Hays Senior Citizens Center, effective as of March 12.
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