Paris mayor closes public parks, except Trail de Paris and Dragon Park walking track, and institutes longer minor curfew

Paris Mayor Steve Clifford has advised interim City Manager Gene Anderson to close public parks today, doing so via an administrative order. The only exceptions are Trail de Paris and the walking track at Dragon Park.

"I hope people will keep their distance on the trail so we can enjoy the trail and get out and get some exercise and fresh air during this time," Clifford said.

Also effective today will be an increase to the curfew for minors to 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The orders must be approved or extended by the Paris City Council within seven days.

Clifford announced Monday that he was working on taking such action after becoming aware that people were still gathering in parks.

“I have been advised by the city attorney I can make an emergency declaration and within seven days have it approved by City Council,” Clifford said shortly after 8 a.m., explaining paperwork is being completed. “If she learns I need council approval right away, I will call an immediate emergency meeting.”

The current curfew is from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. weekdays and from midnight until 6 a.m. on weekends, according to a city ordinance.

The mayor also warned of a community shutdown and lamented its economic effect in a social media post Monday night.

“If we do this shut down, numerous businesses will likely close their doors permanently,” the mayor said. “Economic development in Paris may well be set back by 10 years or more.

“Neither Judge (Lamar County Judge Brandon) Bell or I want to implement this unless it is absolutely necessary for the public health,” he said. “If the citizens do not follow the recommendations regarding social isolation, this may sadly become necessary.”

The mayor’s warning and action plan comes at a time when the Paris-Lamar County Health Department reported three confirmed cases of Covid-19 on Friday, one classified as community spread.

Source: http://theparisnews.com/free/article_b0b31aba-735d-11ea-9826-8f3e1a84d614.html

 

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