Benton Mayor Tom Farmer released the following statement, setting several guidelines for citizens to take caution in coming into public.
Citizens of Benton and Saline County,
We want all of you to know we are constantly monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak. We want to share the following information with all of you and continue to ask for your cooperation throughout this Pandemic. We are all in this together and as we have said many times “together we can do more.” In this instance, by working together we can flat line this virus in a matter of time.
GUIDANCE ON PUBLIC MEETINGS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 across the nation and the State of Arkansas, we have received many questions regarding cities conducting public meetings during this time. As of March 16th, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saline, Garland, Pulaski, and Jefferson counties. Cities located within these counties, and the surrounding area, should be on heightened alert. With no clear knowledge of when this outbreak will cease, and due to the concern for the health and safety of our citizens, we have come up with a few recommendations for public meetings. Most importantly, we recommend you look out for the health and safety of your fellow citizens and public officials by considering the postponement of all public meetings until threat levels have been reduced. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events consisting of 50 or more people.
We truly believe in doing what is best for all people in Benton, as well as Saline County. Therefore, we will post updates outlining procedures we have put in place, based on the best information we have at the time. Everything we ask of you is for your protection, as well as the protection of our citizens. We have postponed all events scheduled in the 8 week period beginning March 16, 2020. As soon as we have a new date for these events, we will post that information as quickly as possible, to allow you to make plans to attend.
In saying all of this, we ask that you consider following the designated social spacing recommendation of 6 feet or more when you are in a public place. Across the nation restaurants, including Arkansas, are being asked to limit the number of occupants they allow in their establishment to 50% of what is recommended under the fire code, in addition to spacing the tables 6 feet apart, with no greater than 10 people being in one party. While other cities are asking restaurants to close their lobby areas and only offer carry out services. At this time, it is the utmost importance for our city to apply the social distancing of 6 feet or better when we are in an establishment.
We are asking that you respect everyone and stay at home if you are sick or do not feel well. Please put others first by keeping the social distance that has been recommended. We appreciate your continued cooperation throughout this pandemic.
We have averaged approximately 3 people an hour entering city hall today, which means that the majority of you are doing everything over the phone or the web page. Thank you for this.
Your Mayor Tom Farmer