COVID-19 hits Prescott

By Staff, 06/9/20 2:22 PM

PRESCOTT – Some city employees have been placed under quarantine after being around people who tested positive for COVID-19.

Prescott Mayor Terry Olive said the city is reverting to its policy when the virus first appeared. On June 11, 15 and 18, trash will be picked up on both sides of town. Most employees have been told to go home until June 22. Oliver and officer manager Bruce Bean are working at city hall, and are the only employees there. People paying bills can use the drop box.

The problem, Oliver said, is people aren’t staying at home or following the protocols. “People need to wear masks and observe social distancing,” he said. “The Arkansas Department of Health is telling people to stay at home.”

Oliver added some people are asymptomatic and are doing what they want because they still feel good.

The June meeting of the Prescott City Council has been moved to June 29 at 6:30 p.m. because of the outbreak.

Oliver said it will be mandatory for all city employees, regardless of employment status, to be tested on June 16. The city has purchased more gloves for the sanitation employees and is asking businesses to double-bag their trash. Additionally, limbs and brush won’t be picked up except in emergency situations. “We’re trying to keep people healthy,” he said.

Meter readers will be out and about doing their jobs as will the electrical and water and sewer employees.

Oliver added he doesn’t want to shut the city down again if at all possible, and reminds people to practice social distancing while at baseball games as baseball season has started locally.

“We’re trying to keep this from spreading throughout the city. It’s already gotten to the serious stage.” Oliver said employees at the Split Rail and Southern Pines nursing home, formerly Prescott Manor have people infected because they didn’t stay home.  He said people need to wear masks and gloves when out and about and observe social distancing.

A deputy with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has been sent home after testing positive for the virus. However, Nevada County Sheriff Danny Martin said none of the deputy’s family has tested positive for it, and all have been tested. Martin added all employees at the Nevada County Jail have been tested and are negative. Half of the inmates were tested, and all of them were also negative. “We’re taking all the steps we can,” he said.

Nevada County Judge Mark Glass said the courthouse is following the protocols it set when the virus first appeared. The courthouse remains locked, except by appointment.

Tonight’s meeting of the Nevada County Quorum Court will be held as scheduled, he said, though there’s nothing on the agenda.

He added the county’s road and bridge employees, sanitation and landfill employees are still doing their jobs.