‘Lives can be saved’: A message from Conway leaders following McMaster’s coronavirus order
Conway City Council decided an order from Gov. Henry McMaster asking residents to stay home unless they have necessary work is enough to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
But coronavirus is taking its toll on the city.
McMaster on Monday further ordered that all residents stay home unless they’re going to work or supporting an essential businesses with proper social distancing. While it was not explicitly called a stay at home order, it still requires most citizens to stay home except for reasons deemed necessary.
Council met in a virtual meeting on Monday to table its own “stay at home” order. City leaders decided they didn’t need their own ordinance but hope residents are listening to the governor’s effort to slow the spread of the virus.
“Lives can be saved,” Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy said.
According to the governor’s order, outside trips to grocery stores, gas stations or for exercise will still be allowed. City officials also encourage residents to wear masks if they must go out and to continue regularly washing your hands.
Businesses and activities not allowed will follow orders from McMaster, who has already closed a variety of “non-essential” stores, beaches and boat landings. Local public safety agencies will be tasked with enforcing the order.
“The best way to keep people away from each other is enforcing that order,” Council Member Alex Hyman said.
Council Member Jean Timbes asked younger residents of Conway to help their neighbors who might not be able to go out.
Blain-Bellamy said to fully understand the problem more people need testing, citing a story of her trying to help a friend admitted into the hospital due to breathing troubles.
“I don’t know how many thousands of people around us today who have the virus, show symptoms or who have attempted to be tested or not,” Blain-Bellamy said. “Our numbers are low because people aren’t being tested.”
City Administrator Adam Emerick briefed council on how the coronavirus has left Conway staff short-handed. While no employees have been a confirmed case, 9 they are out due to displaying symptoms of coronavirus or being in close contact with someone who had a confirmed case. Fifteen other employees are are out for being high risk, while 25 others are on voluntarily leave.
More and more city employees are working from home too. Due to short staff, the city’s drive through window will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Trash services will continue but city staff are asking residents to bag all trash so employees don’t have to interact with it. While the hope is to not need a contingency for aste services, Emerick said if the pandemic goes on, residents may be required to drop trash off at dumpsters to keep employees safe.
Public trails and walkways are open as long as people practice social distancing.
For now, the process of approving the city budget is postponed until staff has a better idea of how the coronavirus hurts the economy and the city’s revenue.
Before adjourning, Blain-Bellamy said the city is “alone together.” While most people have been stuck in their homes for days now, Blain-Bellamy said she appreciated everyone coming together to keep their fellow residents safe.
“This is another chance to show our resilience, show our faith and to be who we say we are,” Blain-Bellamy said.
