City Attorney Kit Williams speaks at a press conference. / Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer
Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan held a press conference on Wednesday, March 18 along with Fire Chief Brad Hardin, Police Chief Mike Reynolds, City Attorney Kit Williams, and Devin Howland, the city’s director of economic development.
Jordan said as reported earlier, the first local coronavirus case was announced today in Fayetteville. He said it was inevitable that COVID-19 would appear in this region, but staff have been taking steps for weeks to be prepared for this day.
Jordan said although City Hall is scheduled to close to the public tomorrow (May 19), his staff has developed a plan to protect the city’s core services.
After yesterday’s decision to cut occupancy by half for restaurants and bars, Jordan said he was thankful that the local business community had responded “positively and quickly” in efforts help to promote social distancing.
He urged residents to continue to stay away from crowded places and avoid unnecessary gatherings.
“My friends, please stay home if you can,” Jordan said. “And employers, please allow your employees to work from home, if possible.”
When asked if any businesses would be ordered to close, City Attorney Kit Williams said there are no plans for that.
“I don’t think it’s in the cards anywhere that Mayor Jordan would want to close our restaurants and bars,” said Williams. “He doesn’t feel like that’s necessary. He’s just asked them to comply with CDC recommendations.”
Watch the mayor’s full press conference embedded below, or at the city’s YouTube channel.
