Officials in Montgomery County and the City of Winona have put temporary policies in place to keep city and county employees safe and help limit the exposure of the coronavirus in government facilities.
Last week, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting to discuss ways to limit exposure of the coronavirus.
According to an order made by Governor Tate Reeves, any state and county employee who is under the orders of a physician to be quarantined due to the coronavirus is eligible for administrative leave. Any other instances of absences will be addressed by the board on a case-by-case basis.
The board also voted to limit the number of people patronizing the Montgomery County Tax Assessor/Collector, chancery clerk, or circuit clerk’s offices to two at a time. Those waiting to do business in those offices will have to wait in the hallway until directed to enter.
The Montgomery County Emergency Operations Center is closed to everyone by EOC employees.
Sheriff Jeff Tompkins said his office is “using common sense,” but it is business as usual at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department.
The Montgomery County Coliseum is temporarily closed.
Montgomery County Circuit Court will be held on April, however, according to Circuit Clerk Lanelle Martin, the only people allowed in the courtroom are the defendants, court personnel, attorneys, and members of the media. All others will be required to wait outside the courthouse and not be allowed to sit in the hallway.
Montgomery County Justice Court is now hearing one case at a time, and only defendants, court personnel, attorneys, and members of the media are allowed in the gallery while proceedings are underway. As per Governor Reeves recommendation, no more than 10 people will be allowed in the courtroom at a time.
The board of supervisors also voted to waive fine payments, as part of arrangements made with the court, from the public to Montgomery County Justice Court for one month.
Winona
In a special-called meeting Wednesday, the Winona Mayor and Board of Aldermen passed a resolution “requiring all restaurant dining areas are to be closed and limiting food service to drive-thru, carry out, curbside delivery or delivery.”
The resolution is the most current of several measures the city has passed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
At last week’s regular meeting, the board of aldermen voted to cancel all public meetings, committee meetings, activities, gatherings and events at all city-owned businesses. They also closed the lobby of Winona City Hall, urging city customers to use the drive-thru for water payments and the telephone or email for other city business. Credit card payments can be made by telephone.
The board also closed the city’s parks, recreational centers, and facilities through April 7, when the board will meet again.
“We are trying to take care of Winona,” Mayor Jerry Flowers said. “This is our home, and we are trying to take care of our home.”
The Winona Police Department has closed its lobby as well to walk-in traffic.
According to a press release, “The Winona Police Department will be taking extreme precautions during this time. Below are some of the preventatives we are taking to ensure the safety of our officers and the citizens of Winona.
Reports will be taken over the phone and not inside the Winona Police Department, unless an officer asks you to come in for a report.
There will be NO fingerprinting being done until further notice.
Only emergency and criminal calls will be responded to by officers. Other incidents will be handled over the phone until further notice.
There will not be a requirement, at this time, to come into the Police Department to pay on fines or citations. You can make payments over the phone or come to the Police Department when we’re back to normal operating procedures.”
