Update to City Plans Regarding Efforts to Stem COVID-19 Spread
Alexandria, La. (March 14, 2020) — The City of Alexandria has temporarily suspended activities until further notice at all city-owned facilities where the general public gathers, regardless of event size. 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.
“This situation is unique in that we are dealing with a biologically-driven process,” said Alexandria Mayor Jeffrey W. Hall. “It’s not like a storm that moves through in a day or two and it is over. We don’t know how long we will need to take precautions. It is a fluid situation and we are continually getting updated information. For now we are choosing to err on the side of caution and do everything we can to minimize risks locally to ensure the protection of the health and safety of our citizens and our employees.”
In addition to the closures announced Friday, the utility customer service department will be temporarily suspending operations at the teller windows at the utility customer service building at 625 Murray Street. 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.
Public Safety Commissioner Daryl Terry said Alexandria Police and Fire Departments will be staffed and providing emergency services as usual. APD is temporarily suspending providing public fingerprinting services and the Citizen’s Academy scheduled to start March 24 has been postponed and will be rescheduled later in the year. Terry noted that providing emergency services is the top priority, and other non-emergency services could be temporarily suspended if needed.
The ATRANS bus service will continue to operate as scheduled at this time, however the City Trolleys will not be in service until further notice. Adoption services at the Animal Shelter are also temporarily suspended.
Public events that are canceled include Downtown Rocks on March 19 and 26 and the Community-Wide Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 4.
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
