City Continues Efforts to Stem COVID-19 Spread
Alexandria, La. (March 16, 2020) — The City of Alexandria’s temporary suspension of services at city-owned meeting places will remain in effect until further notice. The closures include Convention Hall, the Randolph Riverfront Center, the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center and all community centers. Additionally, recreation facilities including the Alexandria Zoo, Links on the Bayou and the Alexandria Youth and Teen Center are closed until further notice. Bathrooms are also locked at public parks.
“Today Gov. John Bel Edwards announced additional state-wide measures to slow the spread of the disease, including limiting meetings to 50 people, closing movie theaters and limiting restaurants to take-out and delivery orders,” said Alexandria Mayor Jeffrey W. Hall. “Those changes do not affect our efforts locally as we have already suspended operations at all city-owned public meeting facilities, regardless of the number of participants. We continue to monitor the situation and we will make sure we are in compliance with all state orders as well as the best practices and recommendations of public health officials. We are committed to doing everything in our power to minimize risks locally and ensure the protection of the health and safety of our citizens and our employees.”
The lobby of the utility customer service department building at 625 Murray Street will remain closed until further notice. While customers will not be able to come inside to make payments or purchase garbage bags at the teller windows, the drive-thru lanes will be open. Customers may drive up as usual, and walk-up customers will also be allowed. Security personnel will be on site to ensure the safety of any walk-up customers. In addition, customers may make payments by check or money order at the utility dropbox. Cash payments should not be placed in the dropbox. Other business at the office, such as permit applications, should be handled by appointment and conducted online or by telephone when possible. Mayor Hall has also authorized a temporary suspension of utility customer disconnects.
Other city services, including Alexandria Police and Fire Departments and the ATRANS bus service, will continue to operate as scheduled at this time.
City officials will continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with the Governor’s Office, state agencies and public health officials. Citizens are encouraged to watch the City’s website at https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/covid-19-response as well as the City of Alexandria Louisiana – Government page on Facebook for the latest updates and information regarding city services.
Contact:
Jim Smilie
Communications
318.449.5038
318.730.1683
jim.smilie@cityofalex.com
