Breaking News: Mayor Declares State Of Emergency

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Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt Canceled

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  • Cordell Mayor Jerry Beech
    Cordell Mayor Jerry Beech
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In response to the ongoing coronavirus, or COVID-19, public health crisis, Cordell Mayor Jerry Beech declared a state of emergency for the entire city on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Under the terms of the emergency declaration, the city has revoked all pending event permits for events scheduled on any public park, street, sidewalk, facility, or property. It also includes a moratorium on the granting of any new permits. The Cordell Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled for April 11, 2020, has been canceled, according to chamber president Jennifer Cary.

The declaration further orders the closure of all local gyms, exercise facilities, movie theaters, and libraries. Restaurants, convenience stores, and other privately owned gathering places are allowed to remain open, but are only allowed to serve food on a carry-out basis. Dining rooms have been ordered closed.

The city is also "strongly discouraging" in-person gatherings of 10 or more people for any "social, spiritual, or recreational purposes including, but not limited to community, civic, public leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades, concerts, festivals, conventions, fundraisers and similar activities."

City Council and other city board meetings will continue as normal, although measures will be put in place to prevent close contact among attendees. Members of the public wishing to ask questions about agenda items are encouraged to do so by phoning city staff at 580.832.3825. The city has also imposed a moratorium on utility cut-offs if prior arrangements are made with the city office.

The state of emergency is set to remain in place until further notice, but will be reevaluated in 30 days.