Quorum Court holds COVID-19 meeting

PRESCOTT – A special called meeting of the Nevada Quorum Court Tuesday was mainly about the coronavirus and how the county is dealing with it.

Several speakers were on hand to talk about the issue.

The meeting began with the court passing an ordinance concerning leave policies during a public health emergency as declared by the Arkansas Governor. However, the court didn’t follow proper procedure with the ordinance as it was only read once and approved with the panel moving on to something else immediately after the vote.

Basically, the ordinance calls for anyone exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 to be quarantined for 14 days without suffering undue hardship created by limited leave. Those quarantined shall be paid for the quarantine up to 14 days, and this time isn’t taken from any employee leave bank. However, those quarantined by a doctor must provide documentation from a doctor’s office.

Those diagnosed with COVID-19 aren’t allowed to returned to work up to 14 days after the initial diagnosis and will require a medical release before going back to work. They shall be paid up to 14 days from the date of diagnosis or until they’re released to return to work without losing any vacation or sick leave.

Those county employees with school-aged children and are dealing with school closing or mandatory quarantine can choose to stay home with their child without being subject to discipline for attendance. However, those doing this must use any accrued vacation or sick leave they have and they can accrue a deficit balance depending on how long schools remain closed.

Employees taking off for any other reason are subject to using their sick or vacation time as outlined under the county’s Personnel Policy.

Debbie Henderson, administrator of the Nevada County Health Unit, told the two-dozen people gathered in the courtroom, there are 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, but another 197 have tested negative. She said the symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Anyone showing these symptoms should first call their doctor and not just show up at the office. Those quarantined are generally cleared after 14 days.

The most important thing, she said, is to follow some common sense practices. Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering the mouth when coughing, and coughing into the sleeve, not touching the face, especially mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth and staying home when sick. It’s also important, she continued, for people to be aware of what they touch and to avoid crowds.

Henderson said mass testing won’t be done at this time, and she has information about the virus at the NCHU. “The main thing is not to panic.” She said more information is available at healthyarkansas.gov and cdc.gov.

Nick Hibbs, owner of the Nevada County Ambulance Service, said the NCAS is operating as normal, but taking more precautions. He suggested people not call unless it’s a real emergency to help crews avoid being exposed. He told the court there’s a mandate from the Arkansas Department of Health requiring emergency personnel to be screened. He said if a person is sick, they should first call their doctor.

Jim Cross, director of the Office of Emergency Services in Nevada County, said this isn’t new and it’s been planned for as the county has a pandemic response plan. Homeland Security, he continued, has a plan for law enforcement. “We’ll see drastic changes, but the real concern is for first responders,” he said. “My job is to coordinate efforts.”

He said there’s been some miscommunication stating the OEM will provide personal protection equipment (PPE) to public and private medical services and one dermatologist asked for a Class 3 biohazard suit. The problem, Cross said, is the OEM doesn’t have enough PPE for public medical services at this time. The greatest fear, he continued, is someone who’s been exposed and doesn’t know it will visit someone who’s already sick and infect them. “We’re trying to keep this from spiking.”

State Rep. David Fielding was up next saying the ADH is testing people and the only cases in the state are in central Arkansas at this time. He suggested people remember their friends and neighbors during this time, especially when they go shopping. He said there’s no reason to clean out the shelves because the trucks are still running, water’s still running and this will pass because these things always pass.

Danny Watson, state rep., followed and talked about the Small Business Administration’s plan to help those businesses affected by COVID-19. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management is also working with the governor on this. Those who operate their own business and pay unemployment can collect it. “Things are changing quickly,” he said. “We’re in uncharted waters, but the sky is not falling.”

Watson said he’d talked to superintendents in his district about getting meals to students and learned the Prescott School District provided more than 400 meals Tuesday. He pointed out there have also been changes in visitation to inmates in the Nevada County Jail with more people using online visitation.

Nevada County Sheriff Danny Martin said employees are screened at the start of every shift and the jail is reducing the number of inmates, refusing to take any from infected areas. “We have to do this,” he said, “because we don’t want to bring someone in who might be sick.” As to deputy responses, he said when people call the first option will be to try and handle things over the phone, but deputies will respond to all emergency calls.

Dale Booker, Nevada County’s 911 coordinator, said his office will stay on top of 911 services and make sure its operational. He said mass communication can also be used to distribute important information.

JP Bob Cummings said Centurylink employees were informed they will work as usual, but will not be going into people’s home. The company will continue working on the security of internet and phone lines and employees have gotten a letter allowing them to travel through quarantined areas.

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, changed the topic and urged everyone to fill out their census information so the county can get a good count. This, she said, can be done by mail, phone or over the internet.

Watkins suggested people stay attuned to what’s going on, but not get overwhelmed by the news.