Tag Archives: Covid-19

Businesses continue to require masks after mandate lifts

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Delta Digital News Service

By Maddison Smith | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed across the country and many states have lifted their mask mandates, Arkansas being one of those states. 

Gov. Asa Hutchinson lifted the mask mandate after consulting with Department of Health Secretary Jose Romero according to a press release from the official website of Gov. Asa Hutchinson.   

Tropical Smoothie Café requires both their employees and customers to wear masks inside the building.
Photo by Maddison Smith

Businesses still have the right to require that customers wear masks when entering their stores, but many only require their employees to wear a mask. Hotworx Sales Associate Megan Tremmel said, “After the mask mandate was lifted, we don’t require people to wear masks. If they want to and it helps them feel comfortable, then so be it.” 

Other stores like Palm Beach Tan require masks for their employees, routinely practice social distancing and leave signs on the outside of their building recommending their customers to wear masks. 

According to the Arkansas Department of Health’s website, there are 1,325 active cases of COVID-19. Craighead county had eight new cases, Pulaski county nine new cases and Lonoke county with seven new cases of COVID-19. 

Vaccinations are being distributed and given to people across the country. In Arkansas alone, around 630,000 people are fully vaccinated, with this number increasing daily. 

Tropical Smoothie Café Manager Ryan Denis said the store requires both their employees and customers to wear masks while inside the building. 

“I’ve been surprised to see so many people still wearing masks. The threat is still out there, we don’t want to turn our back to it,” Denis said. 

“I’ve been surprised to see so many people still wearing masks.”
– Tropical Smoothie Café Manager Ryan Denis

Up until two months ago, Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s drive-thru provided the only business the store received. Denis said there is now more traffic in their lobbies since the mask mandate has been lifted. 

Denis said he feels food service workers feel different about wearing masks. Guests do not pose a threat because his employees are able to successfully social distance.  

“I wear my mask mostly for other people. We owe each other that courtesy,” Denis said. “I’m ready for it to be normal. I want to see people’s faces and smiles again.” 

Palm Beach Tan Manager Kaygan Muse said they have more customers coming in without masks. 

Muse said she is not concerned for her well-being or her employees since they are still wearing masks and have extra cleaning procedures for their tanning beds. 

“It’s a start. I think the cases have lowered a lot recently so I think we are going in the right direction to go back to normal,” Muse said.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LOCAL MASK MANDATE.

MASK MANDATEDownload

Maddison Smith is a senior in the multimedia journalism program in The School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. You can follow her on Twitter. She can be contacted at: maddison.smith@smail.astate.edu.

Coronavirus symptoms plague student

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By Courtney Edwards | Aspiring Journalist
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO, Ark. – COVID-19 cases in Arkansas have been declining, but people are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.

Arkansas State University junior, Shannon Johnson of Batesville, was exposed to coronavirus last year. Although research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests it can take up to two weeks after exposure to feel any symptoms, Johnson said she felt symptoms the day after being exposed and decided to get tested. It was positive.

Johnson said the loss of her taste and smell affected her the most while she was sick. Now, however, her sense of taste and smell have returned (for the most part), but she’s experiencing trouble breathing.

Arkansas State University student Shannon Johnson discusses her plight dealing with the post-Covid-19 symptoms.

“Around Jan. 22, I started being unable to breathe properly,” Johnson said. “And so, I had to go back to the doctor, and they were like, ‘so COVID has affected your lungs a little bit in the aftermath, so you’re going to have to start carrying around an inhaler.’”

“And so, I had to go back to the doctor, and they were like, ‘so COVID has affected your lungs a little bit in the aftermath, so you’re going to have to start carrying around an inhaler.’” 

– Shannon Johnson

Johnson said she had perfectly good lungs before being infected with coronavirus and never had to use an inhaler. As a music major, the ailment makes it difficult for her to play her favorite instrument, the saxophone.

Johnson’s goal is to become an elementary music teacher but hopes her struggles with post COVID symptoms won’t interfere with her goals. Johnson’s parents, Ben and Tina Johnson, said they were proud of how well their daughter has adjusted after having the coronavirus.

“We raised her to face her challenges [and] step up and do what you’ve got to do,” her father said. “I realize it’s been tough on her, but she’s been handling it.”

“I realize it’s been tough on her, but she’s been handling it.”

– Ben Johnson (Shannon’s father)

Johnson visited the A-State Student Health Center (SHC) operated by New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State, known as the NYITCOM at Arkansas State University Medical Clinic.

According to Johnson, the medical professional she saw told her that nothing looks physically wrong with her lungs. They didn’t give her a time frame describing how long her symptoms could last. They only told her it would take time to feel normal again.

“The doctor said, ‘you need to work your lungs back [to normal]. They might not come back to what they used to be, but there’s a possibility that they will,’” Johnson said. “It’s like 50/50 is what they told me.”

Gavin Lesnick, public information director for the Arkansas Department of Health, said it was unknown why some people with no preexisting conditions may suffer from long-term symptoms of COVID-19.

“Some young people may have medical conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19 complications,” Lesnick said. “In general, we find that severe COVID-19 cases are less likely in younger people than in older people.”

Johnson’s parents said Johnson is covered by Trustmark health insurance provided by her mother’s workplace, White River Medical Center. According to Johnson’s parents, the insurance covered all of her medical expenses up to the deductible. Johnson will be able to stay on this insurance plan until she is 27.

Although the symptoms took a hard toll on Johnson, she said the hardest part about having coronavirus was having to miss her family during Christmas.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO LEARN MORE OF JOHNSON’S COVID-19 EXPERIENCE.

COVID-19 – A Mild Case Could Result in Long-Term Symptoms


Courtney Edwards is a multimedia journalism senior in The School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University. She can be reached at courtney.edwards@smail.astate.edu.

Cottage house ordinance tabled by jonesboro city council

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Maddison Smith
Delta Digital News Service

If passed, the ordinance, will allow cottage housing in Jonesboro. According to the city’s website , “The cottage house development is an alternative type of detached housing providing small residences for households of typically one to two individuals without undergoing the subdivision process.” 

Before the floor was open to discussion from the council members, Mayor Harold Copenhaver made a statement in regards to the ordinance.

“I would like to thank the West End community to allow our staff to attend the West End neighborhood meeting on Sunday where they listed a few concerns regarding this ordinance,” Copenhaver said. “As a result of that meeting, Mr. Smith has some amendments he would like to propose to help address the questions he received.”

Director of Planning and Zoning Derrel Smith then spoke about the amendments in the ordinance.

The amendments include: 

  • Only two houses can have the same design or layout.
  • The character of the cottage homes must blend in with the rest of the neighborhood.
  • All houses will be up to code in every aspect.

“The ordinance was first introduced in May 2020 after talking with realtors and developers in Jonesboro,” Smith said. 

Council member representing Ward 2, position 1, Dr. Charles Coleman then motioned to postpone the ordinance temporarily to the first city council meeting in April. “So that some of these items can be addressed to the community because they still are not satisfied with the information,” Coleman said. 

The council will need to vote on the amendments and then vote on the amended ordinance. The motion to postpone the ordinance was a 7-3 vote.

During the mayor’s report, Copenhaver spoke on the recent death of Sanitation Department Director Donny Gibson. 

“Donny died in a tragic accident Feb. 17. He had people that really adored him and loved him in the city and in the staff. We continued to keep him and his family in our prayers … We will miss Donny,” Copenhaver said.

Copenhaver announced there will be a “mass vaccination” held at the Arkansas State University in the First National Bank arena from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. Copenhaver said, “I want to thank all of our healthcare partners, our hospitals, NYIT, health department, Arkansas State University and others.”

Other items on the agenda include: 

  • Resolution to construct the Veterans’ Village community center; passed
  • Resolution to distribute funding through the Coronavirus aid, relief and economic security (CARES); carries to the next meeting 
  • Ordinance to place various traffic signs at designated locations as determined by the traffic control committee; passed 
  • Ordinance for the transfer of location of a private club permit for North Hills Social Club; passed

Lawrence County deals with rise in coronavirus cases

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By Courtney Edwards
Delta Digital News Service

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – Lawrence County continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 685 confirmed cases as of Oct. 21.

“We are closely monitoring the cases in Lawrence County, as well as the rest of Arkansas, and are taking steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 going forward,” Gavin Lesnick, public information director for the Arkansas Department of Health, said. “These steps include making testing available throughout the state and educating people on the importance of simple precautions that can make a big difference like wearing face masks, keeping a safe distance from others in group settings and washing hands frequently.”

The county reported 134 new known cases over the past week according to USAFacts, a non-profit organization which offers a non-partisan portrait of the U.S. population. There were 747 cumulative confirmed and probable cases as of Tuesday compared to 613 reported on the previous Tuesday. 53 cases were reported in one day on Oct. 15.

Along with 134 new cases, the county also reported two new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total to 15. The total of recovered cases, however, was 518 as of Wednesday with the total of active cases at 150.

Local businesses have noticed the increase in cases recently. Although, it doesn’t directly affect most businesses, the pandemic has still implemented many changes for them.

“The way we have to do things is so different,” Erika Shields, owner of Shields Home Medical Equipment in Walnut Ridge, said. “That’s where it’s impacted us and been so stressful.”

Shields said the business has had to make changes to the way they handle equipment, how they get the equipment to customers, and even how they handle customers in person.

“Things are a lot less personal than it used to be. We’re a small, locally-owned business, so that’s super important to us,” Shields said. “We’re happy to do a lot of curbside or delivery.”

Shields said although the pandemic has changed the way she runs her business, she’s grateful for her own and her staff’s health. She said her staff has been exposed to COVID-19 from customers who came in before being diagnosed, but no one has tested positive from Shields Home Medical Equipment.

Out of the 747 cases reported in Lawrence County on Tuesday, many of them may be reflected in the number of cases from the Lawrence Hall Nursing Center. ADH reported 120 residents had tested positive as of Monday. 112 of these cases were reported to still be active while six have recovered and two have died. In addition, 62 staff members have tested positive.

“We never like to see cases increase and each death is a tragedy,” Lesnick said.

Lawrence County reported a relatively low number of new cases of COVID-19 throughout the early months of the year, with the highest number of new known cases in one day being 13 cases reported on Apr. 30. Reported cases started depleting in May all the way through July with many days reporting zero new cases. Although Lawrence County peaked in cases around April, it seems as though cases will start to arise with colder weather.

More active cases of COVID-19 were reported in Lawrence County during September and October than ever before. The state of Arkansas reported a total of 95,399 confirmed cases as of Oct. 20 according to ADH.

“The number of cumulative cases shows the extent to which COVID-19 can spread and underscores how important it is to be proactive in preventing continued transmission,” Lesnick said.

The ADH reported a total of 636 hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in Arkansas on Wednesday. Of those hospitalized, 99 are on ventilators.

“Patients with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested,” Lesnick said. “Testing is available in a number of places, including by appointment at local health units in every county in Arkansas. If a patient tests positive, they will need to isolate to prevent exposing others while they are infectious. They should check with their health care provider as symptoms develop or worsen.”

To help communities remember how to help stop the spread of COVID-19, ADH released directives on how to stay safe during the pandemic. Lesnick said a way people can help is “adhering to the Three W’s: wear a face mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands.”

Note: Featured photo by Courtney Edwards

COVID-19 hampers holiday, economy

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By Yu Bai
Delta Digital News Service

The first Monday in September is the traditional Labor Day in the United States. However, due to the impact of COVID-19, most people recognized the holiday at home rather than attending public settings.

Jonesboro physician Chance Smith stayed home for the holiday. “I did have a barbecue, and I swam with friends and family only on Labor Day,” said Smith.

Smith practiced safety precautions by staying home and only being close to those familiar to him.

To contain the spread of COVID-19, the city Jonesboro strongly encourages residents to keep social distance and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.

Businesses such as restaurants and bars are limited to takeout or delivery while personal care services, and gyms have been closed.

Slowing customer traffic has caused small businesses to have limited profits limiting funds for overhead costs. The city provides some grants and loans to help these companies survive the temporary closures and loss of customers.

Director of Communications for Jonesboro Bill Campbell said, “We have built reserves to get through what we call ‘rainy days,’ which means the periods of emergency or catastrophe or anything like that.”

Employment in the leisure and hospitality industry has always been a dominant area of Jonesboro’s economy, and the permanent closure of these businesses will make many people in Jonesboro unemployed.

Labor Finders is a temporary staffing and employment agency in Jonesboro, which provides good short-term services for those who are unemployed. It can immediately provide jobs for people who need to find a job and pay a daily salary.

Debra Dunaway, the assistant manager of Labor Finders, said, “ We provide construction workers and construction clean up, and we give them money right away when they’re in need.”

However, Dunaway said that they did not recruit too many workers to work in recent days compared with before because so many things are shut down right now.

Jessica Tran is a local resident whose parents have a business. “My parents were forced to close their business for a few months due to a mandate ordered by the governor. As for me, I actually had a job as a desk assistant. However, when the virus started spreading more, everyone was sent home, including me.”

The epidemic has suppressed the development of many private small businesses, and it also has diminished the government sales tax. Companies continue to develop their business while expanding social distancing requirements to stimulate economic recovery.

Jonesboro City Council Holds First Online Meeting Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

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By Chase Gage
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – Amid a global pandemic and the aftermath of a natural disaster, the city of Jonesboro had somewhat of a return to normalcy with a remote city council meeting Tuesday night.

The meeting was the first held since the state of Arkansas declared a national emergency regarding COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. It was also the first meeting held since an EF3 tornado tore through Jonesboro on March 28.

“Before we get started, I’d like to take a moment to praise the people of Jonesboro and the workers for the City of Jonesboro. We’ve been through a lot as a citizenry and a government,” Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin said in his opening statement. “The citizens of Jonesboro have been strong and come to each other’s rescue. We are a loving people.”

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The Jonesboro City Council held their meeting virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new format led to a unique viewer experience, though. it had its faults as well. Screenshot by Chase Gage.

It was far from a typical city council meeting, though, as the members were forced to meet online via video chat in response to social distancing policies in effect across the state and nation. The meeting was then broadcast on local television and Facebook Live so citizens could attend and participate from home.

Residents had several communication options for the meeting, including a special phone line and email address to contact as well as live comments on Facebook during the meeting.

The shift came with a handful of downfalls, as technical difficulties plagued some segments of the meeting. Resident participation was also relatively limited compared to in-person participation, but the council seemingly did the best they could with their available options.

“The coronavirus and tornado have created a new landscape, and our duty is to adjust. I ask for patience as we do so. This is not a new future, it is simply a temporary fix,” Perrin said on the shift to online meetings. “It isn’t going to be perfect. Any change this drastic is going to have glitches, so please be kind and patient.”

Councilman Gene Vance said several improvements needed to be made for the council to continue to hold online meetings, adding that he struggled to hear other members even with his volume cranked up.

Virtually all members of the council were adamant in praising the emergency response of both city employees and the public in the aftermath of the tornado that struck just over a week before the meeting. Miraculously, there were only 22 injuries and no deaths due to the storm.

“The citizens of Jonesboro have been strong and come to each other’s rescue. We are a loving people.”

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin

Perhaps the most impactful topic of the night dealt with the mayor’s power to enact a city-wide curfew in times of declared state emergencies. Previously, a curfew could only be enacted for 48 before the city council had to meet to approve any extension.

However, the members voted unanimously to overturn that precedent, allowing the mayor to enact a curfew for up to 120 days — or until the next scheduled meeting — the maximum number of days allowed under state law.

As a direct result of the motion passing, Perrin will meet with city officials including Chief of Police Rick Elliot and Jonesboro Chief of Staff Mike Downing on Wednesday to iron out the details of a forthcoming curfew. Perrin said a curfew is “coming soon,” and that citizens should be prepared to follow it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want everyone to wear a mask. Protect yourselves and your loved ones. This is no time to worry about appearances. You look better with a mask. Please help your city by being responsible,” Perrin said.

Ironically, the first order of business was to pass a motion allowing the online meeting to happen, overturning an in-person requirement in times of a state emergency. Of course, the motion passed unanimously.

Several other issues brought up were related to re-zoning, but most were postponed to be discussed at a later date. Councilman David McClain insisted suspending a vote on ORD-20:010 until citizens could participate in person to discuss the details.

Unlike typical meetings, resident interactions were very few throughout the evening. There was one call-in and only a handful of emails and Facebook comments.

The viewer count peaked around 100, but dipped as low as 50 viewers toward the end of the meeting, likely much lower than in-person attendance would have been under normal circumstances.

A decent number of comments related to how well the city has handled not one, but two emergency situations in the past month.

“I appreciate that the city is continuing to operate in this fashion. Different and dark times require creative solutions,” Jonesboro resident Scott McDaniel commented on the live stream. “Keep it up.”

Watch the full meeting here.

JONESBORO RESIDENTS PREPARE FOR A CURFEW

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By Christine Miyawa
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – The Jonesboro City Council passed an ordinance April 7, allowing Mayor Harold Perrin to impose a curfew of no longer than 120 days in response to the COVID -19 pandemic.

Perrin chaired the meeting with council members participating via webcam.  Accompanied by City Attorney Carol Duncan, they both wore filtered face masks and practiced social distancing by seating several feet away from each other.

“This is not a time to look good, you just look good in your masks,” Mayor Perrin said as he began the meeting.

The agenda for the meeting did not contain any special presentation as members voted to postpone several items to a time when the council would meet physically.

Several members also complained that the audio system wasn’t clear enough to allow proper participation via webcam.

Dr. Charles Coleman requested the council postpone to the first meeting in June, a proposal to change the single-family residential to family residential, on a property located at 1130 Jonesboro Rd. Coleman said the postponement would allow several members of the public to physically be present at the meeting to participate in the discussion.

Members also voted to postpone other zoning codes, including the ordinance to amend Section 117 of the zoning code to the next city council meeting.

Some of the items the council passed included a unanimous vote to purchase a property at 409 North Fisher St. at $2,243 plus regular closing cost. A unanimous vote was attained to condemn property at 304 Walnut St.

Also, an ordinance to place traffic signals at determined locations as determined by the Traffic Control Commission.

Mayor Perrin said, so far, the city’s revenue exceeded expenditure, but because of the COVID-19 and the Tornado that recently swept the city, they are watching the finances for any significant deviation.

He said the city received $7.8 million for emergency services for COVID-19 and tornado damage relief and because a few homes in tornado affected areas did not have insurance, the city will clear the debris but will charge a fee for re-building.

Councilwoman Anne Williams commended KAIT 8 News for warning the public in time about the tornado.

Councilmen John Street and Joe Hafner thanked the mayor, police department and fire department for their swift action during the tornado.

“You did your best under the circumstances, no deaths,” Street said to Mayor Perrin.

Street and Hafner both said the hand of God played a role in saving the lives and properties during the tornado.

“People as far as Conway and Little Rock came to help. I see the hand of God in this- everybody, hang in there,” Hafner said.

Councilman David McClain also thanked JPD for keeping patrol around the community to ensure no looting of property.

Perrin asked members of the public to send in their comments via email through councilcomment@jonesboro.org, via phone (870) 336 7248 or via Facebook live on the city’s Facebook page.

Members of the public participated by sending messages via email and Facebook live to the meeting.

Dr. Paul Vellozo, a physician in the Jonesboro area, requested the council pass a resolution for food handlers and grocery workers to wear masks.

Several members of the public sent in requests. A woman requested to have all churches closed because a particular church in her neighborhood was still holding meetings and posing a threat to her safety. Another complained that the park equipment and basketball court were still open. Someone requested the city council to close child-care centers during the pandemic because the centers put the health of children and workers at risk for lack of social distancing and a physician requested that all Jonesboro residents wear masks in public.

The North East Arkansas Bicycle Coalition said there is an increase in the number of cyclists and pedestrians during the pandemic and requested the public through the council to increase public outreach to motorists to be aware of cyclists and pedestrians using roads.

Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

City council meets remotely due to COVID-19

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By Krishnan Collins
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO –The Jonesboro City Council met April 7 in remote fashion during a time of uncertainty due to COVID-19 and the city is still healing after a tornado swept through the center of Jonesboro March 28. 

   The meeting diverted from the original agenda right at the start as resolution 20:044 had to be approved for the meeting to officially be able to take place remotely. Since restrictions surrounding COVID-19 limits the number of people that can be in one place, the resolution was proposed and passed. 

   Among many stipulations in the resolution included that members on the council must conduct meetings in ways where the media can still view due to freedom of information laws, electronic means can be used for video call or chat that is recordable and audible to all parties watching and participating in the meeting, and the mayor, city clerk, city attorney and commission chair must be physically present at the meeting place where it is being held. 

  Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin started the meeting by complementing first responders, the community and city employees as wells as reminding citizens to follow social distancing and health guidelines.

   “We’ve been through a lot,” Perrin said. “Our employees in all of our departments deserve your appreciation. They have worked tirelessly and hours with a remarkable attitude. Jonesboro residents have been strong and came to one other’s rescue. We are definitely a loving people in Jonesboro. The coronavirus and tornado have created a new landscape. Our duty is to adjust. I ask for patience as we adjust with each other. This is not a new future, it is simply a temporary fix. So please be kind and be patient. We are doing the work of the city and we cannot stand still. Life doesn’t work that way. But we are not weak. COVID and the other obstacles that are ahead of us, we must be smart, and we will definitely work together.”

   Perrin stressed the importance of wearing a mask when out in public. 

   “This is no time to worry about appearances,” Perrin said. “You look better with a mask.”

One issue on the agenda caused significant debate on the night, Ordinance 20:011. 

   The ordinance, submitted by Ditta Enterprises, proposed the rezoning of an area at 400 E. Highland Dr. The Ditta family wants to build a hardware store in the area. The hardware store received public support, with only a single dissent.

   Janet Gehring said during a past meeting that an ordinance had been passed in 2007 that stated no business could ever be built on that plot of land except for a bank. The plot of land is in a neighborhood surrounded by residents. Gehring said she would not want to live next to a hardware store and asked what was the point of making an ordinance if it was just going to be changed later. 

   “And, I think, I might ask you all, would you like to live by a hardware store and call that your neighbor?” Gehring asked. “Mr. Rogers probably would. Mr. Rogers probably would say won’t you be my neighbor, but I would say, please don’t be my neighbor. Please don’t be my neighbor.”

   It was pointed out that the ordinance had been passed in 2007 to stop a 24/7 fast food restaurant or convenience store from opening at the time and was argued that such an establishment would cause disturbances to residents in the neighborhood being that it would be open at all times of the night as well as the day. 

   It was also argued at the time a convenience store on Highland Drive would mean children would have to cross a major road to go to the restaurant or store and therefore could easily be struck by traffic. 

   However, it was argued at the meeting that zoning ordinances are not meant to be frozen in time and can change with the times of the city. The original ordinance was not meant to stop a local, family-run hardware store from being installed in the area. 

   According to Jim Gramling of Gramling Law Firm who represents Ditta enterprises, the Ditta family hosted a couple of neighborhood meetings where it invited residents who lived within 400 feet of the planned site to come and voice their objections to the family. 

  According to Gramling, the Ditta family made many adjustments from feedback at the first meeting and hosted a second meeting. 

   The ordinance was passed to allow rezoning. 

   Technical difficulties during the meeting along with lag times in public comment through social media, phone lines and email provided some challenges for city officials. 

   “It’s not going to be perfect,” Perrin said. “Any change this drastic is going to have glitches.”

Editor’s Note: Photo by Katie Moum on Unsplash

POCAHONTAS SCHOOL DISTRICT TO CLOSE TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

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By Christine Miyawa
Delta Digital News Service

POCAHONTAS – The Pocahontas School District to close March 17, amid fears of the Covid-19 catching the students, faculty and staff.

“The division of Elementary and Secondary Education instructed the Pocahontas School District to close beginning Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, March 27,” the Superintendent, Jerry Martens, said on the school district website.

The closure includes all academic and extracurricular activities.

So far, no report of anyone testing positive for coronavirus reported in Pocahontas.

The school gave the students Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) packages to guide in their studies at home.

Martens said the school would resume classes Monday, March 30.

“No student is allowed on campus for any reason as per the request of the commissioner of education and the governor of Arkansas,” Martens said.

He said students would be able to contact their teachers through email for questions concerning AMI assignments.

Editor’s Note: Photo by Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash