JACKSON, MI – Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies has declared a state of emergency in response to the spread of COVID-19. It’s the first time in the city’s history such an emergency declaration has been made, Jackson spokesman Aaron Dimick said.

The announcement was made the morning of Tuesday, March 17, shortly before Jackson County announced its first positive test for the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

"It is a precautionary measure," Dimick said. "If this is something that spreads through Jackson County over the next couple weeks, this could be a huge drain on our city services."

As mayor, Dobies can unilaterally call a state of emergency, Dimick said. City officials worked with Jackson County Emergency Management officials before making the announcement.

The state of emergency doesn’t trigger many tangible changes, but does show the community that the city is dedicating resources to the issue, Dimick said. It also makes it easier for the city to receive state or federal aid to address the situation.

City workers are setting up hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations around Jackson on Tuesday afternoon as a measure to fight the spread of the virus. The city is renting portable stations from Lester Brothers and setting them up at the following 10 locations:

Blackman Park at CP Federal City Square, 212 W. Michigan Ave. (hand-washing)

Boos Center at the parking lot near Edgewood Street, 210 Gilbert St. (hand-washing)

City Hall front lobby, 161 W. Michigan Ave. (sanitizing stand)

Jackson Interfaith Shelter, 414 S. Blackstone St. (hand-washing)

Kiwanis Park under the pavilion, 1521 Blakely Ave. (sanitizing stand)

New Leaf Park near the walking trail, 2012 Fourth St. (sanitizing stand)

Elnora Moorman Park near the walking trail, East High Street and Milwaukee Street (sanitizing stand)

Reed Manor, 301 Steward Ave. (hand-washing)

Second Missionary Baptist Church fellowship hall, 304 E. Prospect St. (sanitizing stand)

Downtown Jackson bus station, 127 W. Cortland St. (hand-washing)

A hand-sanitizing station has been set up at Jackson City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave.

The city also canceled its City Council meeting scheduled for March 17, as well as all other upcoming meetings. Officials are looking into ways to host the meetings remotely so people can watch and still participate in public comment – perhaps by calling in, Dimick said.

Any special meetings will be announced with a few days notice, he said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has banned gatherings of more than 250 people, ordered all K-12 schools shut down and barred restaurants from offering dine-in service as measures to fight the spread of the disease. Health officials urge residents to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing.

More Michigan coronavirus coverage:

Jackson County confirms first novel coronavirus case

Drive-through coronavirus testing shuts down temporarily in Jackson for restocking

Jackson County courthouse closing until April amid coronavirus pandemic

Tuesday, March 17: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Jackson cancels city meetings, closes City Hall to public amid coronavirus concerns

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus.