NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith issued an emergency proclamation on Monday encouraging meetings with 25 or more people to be canceled.
In a statement, the mayor said the proclamation is in response to Governor Asa Hutchinson's public health emergency that was announced on March 11.
Smith said the goal of the proclamation is to "protect public health, prevent further damage, ensure public safety and render emergency relief."
The statement also mentioned that the City of North Little Rock "strongly discourages any non-essential persons from attending" the city council meeting on March 23.
The meeting can be viewed on the city's Facebook page, on the website or on local access television.
If you have a concern or a question you would like to bring up during the meeting, you can contact the North Little Rock City Clerk’s Office before March 23.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. announced Monday that the city is implementing a city-wide curfew that will begin on Wednesday, March 18.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, 22 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the state and 14 people are under investigation.
Governor Asa Hutchinson announced in a press conference Monday morning that of the six new cases, two were in central Arkansas and two were in Cleburne County.