By Beacon Staff
Despite an updated emergency proclamation from the city of Burlington Monday and another proclamation by Des Moines County Tuesday, Burlington Mayor Jon Billups is stressing that nothing has changed.
The proclamations are simply a show of local solidarity with Gov. Kim Reynold’s existing measures regarding coronavirus. It also is a strong recommendation for locals to keep following state guidelines in place to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
With early spring feeling a lot more like early summer, Billups and local leaders felt it necessary to issue an official decree outlining what is allowed. Going outside is not off-limits, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
Fresh air is encouraged.
“It was decided by the mayors of Des Moines County and the Des Moines County Supervisors to issue a proclamation supporting her (Gov. Kim Reynolds’) request to act as if there was a shelter order in place,” Billups said in a statement Tuesday morning, which can be viewed in its entirety on his Facebook page.
That means restaurants and businesses that currently offer delivery or curbside service will continue as usual.
Fully aware of the economic impact the virus is having locally, Billups encouraged those who feel comfortable to continue shopping locally, as long as they do so responsibly and by state guidelines.
The updated emergency proclamation for Burlington consisted of several other salient points and updates, including:
• The skate park in Dankwardt Park is closed to public use.
• Gatherings of 10 or more people are strongly discouraged until further notice.
• Individuals are recommended to not leave their home or place of residence, except to conduct essential activities. The definition of essential has been outlined by the state. Retail stores that sell food still offer the non-food items that have always been available.
• Solid waste crews will continue picking up an additional 33-gallon container (up to 40 lbs.) of household waste through May 1 without the use of an additional tag.