The city of Jonesboro takes steps to stop the spread of COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise dramatically in Craighead County and the region’s largest city, Jonesboro, is taking proactive measures to try and curtail the spread. The county had 119 new infections Wednesday (Dec. 2), the fourth most in the state, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.

There are at least 779 active cases in the county and a reported 82 deaths. Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin and the city’s other leaders have decided to limit direct contact in some services offered by the city, Communications Director Bill Campbell said.

Through the coming weeks, non-first responders are working remotely when possible. The concept is to prevent post-Thanksgiving spread as much as possible. Engineering staff is available by phone or e-mail and can be scheduled for virtual meetings as needed, Campbell said.

Parks and Recreation will continue to operate under Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. Decisions regarding youth sports seasons will be made at the appropriate times.

City planning is working remotely. Phones and emails are being answered as usual. There is no in-person contact. Someone will always be in the office during business hours, Campbell said. All plans and applications will be left in the planning box in front of collections, he said. Inspections will limit in-person contact when possible. All calls and complaints continue to be answered.

Animal Control will no longer allow the public in the building to view dogs or tour the facility. Potential adopters can go to the Jonesboro Animal Control Facebook page and look at the dogs. Those interested in a particular dog should call 870-935-3920 and request an appointment to do a meet and greet. Meet and greets are done outside in the dog play area, he said.

Animal bites are required by law to be reported. Hospitals are now limiting patients. Contact Animal Control and an officer will call to complete a report.

The city’s nuisance animal trap program has been stopped for the time being. Animal Control officers will not be entering private residences at this time.

All Animal Control employees will wear a mask when making contact with citizens and citizens are asked to also wear a mask when making contact with city employees.

Due to the pandemic, a larger number of stray dogs have been recovered. Jonesboro Animal Control can only take animals that are found or are needing to be surrendered from within city limits.