Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Official page of the City of Jonesboro for news, resources, and updates in dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) following Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) guidelines.
Questions may be asked by calling us at
If you are a business, employer, or organization seeking information and help during this time, please visit our resource page at https://www.jonesboro.org/542/6764/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Business-Resources
City of Jonesboro Operating Changes:
- Council Chambers Procedures Public Notification - March 2, 2021 (PDF)
- COVID-19 Adjustments at City of Jonesboro (PDF)
Vaccine:
- Vaccine Information (Questions and Answers): https://getvaccineanswers.org/
- COVID-19 Vaccine Resources (Information, Myths vs. Facts, Etc.): https://apic.org/apic-vaccination-resources/
Face Masks:
News Releases:
- COVID-19 Protocols Continue at City of Jonesboro - December 18, 2020 (PDF)
- City Council Meetings Remain Virtual - December 10, 2020 (PDF)
- Council Chambers Procedures for COVID-19 - City of Jonesboro - June 9, 2020 (PDF)
- Drive-Thru Testing Now Available - May 14, 2020 (PDF)
- COVID-19 Today - May 5, 2020 (PDF)
- City Declares COVID-19 Emergency Curfew - April 9, 2020
- More Parks Equipment Now Closed to Public - April 8, 2020 (PDF)
- Parks Closing Playgrounds - March 27, 2020 (PDF)
- Mayor’s Statement on COVID-19 - March 25, 2020 (PDF)
- Perrin: Please Take Social Distancing Seriously - March 23, 2020 (PDF)
- City Responds in Wake of First Positive COVID-19 Test - March 19, 2020 (PDF)
- Mayor Perrin Opens COVID-19 Page on City Website - March 18, 2020 (PDF)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 17, 2020 (PDF)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 16, 2020 (PDF)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 15, 2020 (PDF)
- Mayor’s Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19) – March 12, 2020 (PDF)
- Coronavirus Contingency Plans News Conference – March 5, 2020 (PDF)
Information & Resources:
- Vaccine Information (Questions and Answers): https://getvaccineanswers.org/
- COVID-19 Variants Information (Such as the Delta Variant): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant.html?s_cid=11512:delta%20variant:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21
- COVID-19 Vaccine Resources (Information, Myths vs. Facts, Etc.): https://apic.org/apic-vaccination-resources/
- COVID-19 County Data: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/distributing/reporting-counties.html
- Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (see COVID-19 cases and data per city): https://achi.net/covid19/
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Youtube Page (Educational and Resourceful Videos): https://www.youtube.com/user/CDCStreamingHealth
- Head, Hands, Feet Check Concerning COVID-19 (PDF)
- Social Distancing: The Dos and Don’ts: Important guidance from the White House Coronavirus Task Force: https://apps.apple.com/us/story/id1503428051
- Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean in the Time of COVID-19: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tips-for-keeping-your-home-clean-in-the-time-of-covid-19/
- Arkansas Department of Health Press Releases: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/news
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- Coronavirus Key Facts to Help Stop the Spread of Rumors: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/share-facts.html
- Research: Do Website Builders Help Spread Fake News?: https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/research-fake-news-covid/
- World Map of Coronavirus Cases: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/world-map.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Flocations-confirmed-cases.html
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/
- Resources for Businesses and Employers Concerning COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html
- Arkansas Economic Development Commission Programs and Resources for Dealing with COVID-19: https://www.arkansasedc.com/covid19
- Protect Your Home from Coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/protect-home.html
- St. Bernards Visitor Guidelines: https://www.stbernards.info/coronavirus/visitor-guidelines
- NEA Baptist Hospital Visitor Guidelines: https://www.baptistonline.org/patients-and-visitors/visitor-guide
- FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control: https://www.fema.gov/Coronavirus-Rumor-Control
Free Screenings:
If you are sick or worried you may have been exposed to COVID-19, use St. Bernards Go
https://stbernardsgo.com for a FREE Virtual Care appointment or call
Once you are on the app/website, sign up or log in, and in the payment window, use coupon code, COVID, to waive the $49 visit fee.
To keep up with the latest information locally, please go to https://www.stbernards.info/COVID-19, follow St. Bernards Healthcare on social media https://www.facebook.com/StBernardsHealthcare or call St. Bernards Healthline at
Financial Help:
Unemployment insurance claim through the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS):
- Phone:
1-855-225-4440 - Email at ADWS.Info@arkansas.gov.
- To file your claim online, visit the DWS EZARC page: dws.arkansas.gov/unemployment/ezarc/
- For more information, visit the DWS website: dws.arkansas.gov/unemployment
- Workers FAQs for Unemployment Insurance - DWS (PDF)
- Employers FAQs for Unemployment Insurance - DWS (PDF)
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance News Release ADWS May 2020 (PDF)
LIHEAP Crisis (Crisis Utility Assistance): https://www.jonesboro.org/556/Crisis-Utility-Assistance
Frequently Asked Questions:
Health-Related Issues:
- What are the symptoms(which may appear 2-14 days after exposure):
- Most commonly expressed with fever, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms include diarrhea, runny nose, sore throat, and aches and pains.
- Emergency warning signs: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion or inability to arouse; or bluish lips or face.
- What should I do if I think I (or a family member) was exposed to COVID-19 or have the symptoms:
- First, call your doctor or health care provider. DO NOT go there for testing or treatment.
- St. Bernards Healthcare:
- Phone:
870-336-5651 or870-336-5671 - Free online screening - https://stbernardsgo.com/landing.htm. Once you’re on the app/site, sign-up or login. In the "Payment" window, use the coupon code COVID to waive the $49 visit fee.
- Phone:
- NEA Baptist:
- For help finding a doctor, call
866-941-4785. - E-visit with your doctor through MyChart, https://mychart.baptistonecare.org/prd/Authentication/Login?
- For help finding a doctor, call
- St. Bernards Healthcare:
- If someone in your household is sick, separate them into a prepared room. Keep surfaces disinfected, and avoid sharing personal items. See a checklist here to prepare your household: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/checklist-household-ready.html
- First, call your doctor or health care provider. DO NOT go there for testing or treatment.
- How can I stay well?
- Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people and maintain “social distancing” of at least six feet.
- Good hygiene is key, similar to other viral preventions. The CDC recommends:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, have a hand sanitizer readily accessible with at least 60 percent alcohol content.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Consider using non-contact methods of greeting to avoid handshaking, and make sure high-touch surfaces—doorknobs, tables, desks, handrails, countertops, toilets, light switches, handles, faucets, sinks, phones, and keyboards—receive proper disinfecting regularly.
- Should I travel outside of Jonesboro or Arkansas?
- Best to stay put if possible. Every state has confirmed cases. The highest number of confirmed cases in the U.S. have occurred in three states—California, New York, and Washington—but Arkansas received its first confirmed cases beginning March 11, 2020.
- As with any travel, you should practice good hygiene and avoid contact with people, making sure to stay within six feet to stay well.
- Holiday travel is discouraged since people will be getting together in gatherings to celebrate. See the governor's directive on holidays at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Holiday_GuidanceFINAL11.10.20.pdf
- Should I stay home if I (or a family member living with you) have the symptoms?
- Yes. They should, and call your doctor. (Don’t go there first.)
- Should I wear a face mask?
- Face masks should be worn if you are sick or in public and around others. Always wear a face mask when coming in contact with people and before entering a doctor’s office. A disposable surgical mask is appropriate, as you do not need an N95 respirator, or wear a homemade mask if you can’t get a better one. If you do not have a face mask, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use a scarf or handkerchief to cover your face. Remember to keep social distancing guidelines in mind and stay 6 feet away from others and do not be in a group of more than 10 people.
- Are my pets in danger?
- The CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.
- Animals can spread other diseases to people, so remember to wash your hands after caring for them.
- Should I go to a restaurant or store; attend meetings/church; or ride public transportation?
- The governor announced guidelines on resuming business. Check these links to see what measures are being taken.
- Restaurants: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Resume_Restaurant_Dine_In_May_11_directive_FINAL.pdf
- For more information on various businesses, visit Arkansas Ready for Business at https://www.arkansasready.com/
- Many restaurants and retail stores are offering online, pick-up, delivery, or drive-through service. Check:
- The governor announced guidelines on resuming business. Check these links to see what measures are being taken.
- What is the best way to disinfect?
- Clean/disinfect DAILY: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
- Dilute household bleach with 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water; or 4 teaspoons per quart.
- Ensure alcohol solutions are at least 70% alcohol.
- Where can I get the vaccine and is it safe?
- Call your healthcare provider or a local one for information. The Craighead County Health Department in Jonesboro and NYITCOM at A-State have vaccination events from time to time. Call Craighead County Health Department at
870-933-4585 and visit the NYITCOM at A-State webpage at https://www.nyit.edu/arkansas - For information about your health and the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider. If you are looking for general questions answered about the vaccine visit https://getvaccineanswers.org/. Myths and facts about the vaccine can be found at https://apic.org/apic-vaccination-resources/
- Call your healthcare provider or a local one for information. The Craighead County Health Department in Jonesboro and NYITCOM at A-State have vaccination events from time to time. Call Craighead County Health Department at
Senior Issues:
- Who can provide assistance for food, medication, and household supplies for seniors?
- Contact Shannon at the Area Agency on Aging at
870-930-2226, or email at ssmithee@eaaaa.org.
- Contact Shannon at the Area Agency on Aging at
- What should I do if my elderly family member is showing COVID-19 symptoms?
- See #2 above – call your doctor or use an online screening.
- The Arkansas Department of Human Services encourages Medicaid providers to submit electronic claims instead of paper claims, which allows the agency to process payments more quickly. Enrolled Medicaid providers can register for the online Medicaid Provider Portal to submit electronic claims by visiting this website. If providers have questions about registering, they may contact the Arkansas Medicaid Help Desk at
1-800-457-4454.
City of Jonesboro – Operational Issues:
- Are city facilities closed?
- The Municipal Center's east door is available to employees, persons that are going to Collections, and approved visitors. Visitors will need to go to the collections window and make their request, and will not have open access to the 3rd or 4th floors. Collections will contact the appropriate department to come down to the 1st floor if the visitor needs to see someone from those other floors. Visitors will then need to have their temperature checked and a mask before going to any department in the building. Packages, documents, or plans should be left in the east door vestibule for pickup by city staff.
- Animal control is asking the public to call in advance for meetings with potential adoptees and surrenders or impounded animals. Call
870-935-3920. - Parks, community centers, and all amenities are open, and we are taking reservations again.
- When are City Council or committee meetings?
- The Council Chambers are now open again for the public but with COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions in place. For a complete list, visit Council Chambers Procedures Public Notification - March 4, 2021 (PDF) Meetings can also be watched on our City of Jonesboro Cable Channel 24 on Suddenlink or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cityofjonesboroar
- Questions and comments may be dropped off (prior to time of meeting on the date; check Legistar for more info) at the east door of the Municipal Building, 300 S. Church. They should clearly indicate “City Council Meeting” or whatever the name of the meeting is. They can also be emailed to CouncilComments@jonesboro.org or called in during the meeting at
870-336-7248 (please use the other methods if possible rather than calling).
Resources for Residents:
- Can I get help with utility payments?
- City Water and Light (electric, water, and sewer): Customers are now able to request an online payment extension for their CWL utility bill (see www.jonesborocwl.org/view/230). Customers are required to have made a payment within the last 30 days and have no more than one months’ past due bill. Obtaining an online payment extension provides customers two great advantages over requesting an extension by phone:
- Customers may request an extension 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The online service will indicate if the customer is not eligible for an extension. You may contact Customer Service at
(870) 930-3300 with any questions.
- CenterPoint Energy: No changes.
- City Water and Light (electric, water, and sewer): Customers are now able to request an online payment extension for their CWL utility bill (see www.jonesborocwl.org/view/230). Customers are required to have made a payment within the last 30 days and have no more than one months’ past due bill. Obtaining an online payment extension provides customers two great advantages over requesting an extension by phone:
- How do I get legal aid?
- Legal Aid of AR:
800-952-9243 or https://arlegalaid.org/ - Includes issues such as debts, cars, contracts, identity theft, public utilities, and sealing criminal records.
- If you are experiencing domestic violence, call Legal Aid, or if an emergency, call 911.
- Legal Aid of AR:
- Job Seeker Databases:
- Jonesboro Chamber: www.myjonesborojobs.com
- AR Div. of Workforce Services: www.dws.arkansas.gov/job-seekers/
- AR Workforce Center: https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/
- Library: www.libraryinjonesboro.org/job-search
- Indeed: www.indeed.com/l-Jonesboro,-AR-jobs.html
- Monster: www.monster.com/jobs/l-jonesboro-ar
Resources for Businesses:
- Visit our page for businesses, employers, and organizations at https://www.jonesboro.org/542/6764/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Business-Resources for more information.
- Arkansas Ready for Business is a dedicated resource that provides the most up-to-date information on how to operate your business safely for both customers and employees. Visit the website here: https://www.arkansasready.com
Scams:
- How do I avoid becoming a victim of scammer?
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) supports consumers who believe they have been targeted by scammers. The agency reports an increase in coronavirus-related complaints nationwide and advises consumers to safeguard against these scams:
- Undeliverable goods: A website advertises in-demand products like cleaning supplies and medical equipment. Unfortunately, the order never arrives.
- Fake charities: Individuals want to help in trying times, but thieves create hoax charities that exploit this generosity. The best thing to do is research charities online.
- Fake emails, texts, and phishing: Beware of fraudulent emails and texts that ask for your personal information. Sometimes links in these scam emails can install ransomware and lock you out of your computer.
- Robocalls: Listen to some of the latest robocall pitches the FTC is warning that scammers are using to steal money and personal information:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) supports consumers who believe they have been targeted by scammers. The agency reports an increase in coronavirus-related complaints nationwide and advises consumers to safeguard against these scams:
- The FTC also has a lot of helpful information:
- Recovery Checks:
- IRS representatives will not:
- Require you to pay a fee or ask you to confirm personal or financial information (including bank, PayPal, or financial institution accounts.)
Visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus for more information on the coronavirus recovery checks guidance issued by the IRS.
- Require you to pay a fee or ask you to confirm personal or financial information (including bank, PayPal, or financial institution accounts.)
- IRS representatives will not:
- Social Security:
- Social Security will not:
- Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee;
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment;
- Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card;
- Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem; or
- Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.
Not only are scammers using letters to target seniors, but they’re using illegal robocalls. Government agencies won’t call to confirm your sensitive information. Listen to this call scammers are circulating so you can be prepared if you answer a similar call. Hang up if you find yourself on the receiving end of a call like this. Block the caller and report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Social Security will not:
- SNAP Benefits:
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has received reports of possible fraud attempts targeting recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). USDA officials urge participants to be suspicious of any individual or organization that asks for their personal information including social security number, bank information, and SNAP EBT or PIN number. In one potential scam, SNAP recipients were asked to enter their personal and bank account information on a website to qualify for coronavirus assistance.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has received reports of possible fraud attempts targeting recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). USDA officials urge participants to be suspicious of any individual or organization that asks for their personal information including social security number, bank information, and SNAP EBT or PIN number. In one potential scam, SNAP recipients were asked to enter their personal and bank account information on a website to qualify for coronavirus assistance.