As confirmed cases grow, Covington and other cities declare a state of emergency

Covington Mayor Justin Hanson announced Monday afternoon he was issuing a formal declaration for a state of emergency.

The mayors of Tipton County’s other incorporated cities – Atoka, Brighton, Burlison, Drummonds, Garland, Gilt Edge, Munford and Mason – are expected to follow suit with the same declaration.

“This is an effort to help mitigate COVID-19 in our cities,” Hanson said.

On Monday, the number of confirmed cases in Tipton County rose to six.

Munford Pharmacy announced it was on lockdown due to possible contact with a patient who tested positive.

Much like the county declaration and Gov. Bill Lee’s executive order 17 issued Sunday morning, the city’s declaration will close all restaurants, fast food establishments, bars and gyms to the public.

Restaurants are able to serve curbside and delivery only, which also includes alcohol beverages for those aged 21 and up.

All hair salons, barbershops and nail salons are closed until further notice.

Social gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer people.

Daycare and childcare facilities are considered essential services and each facility can make its own decision about closing, however Hanson asks those who remain open to limit public access to the building, maintain good hygiene and significantly increase sanitation efforts.

The declaration also provides Covington and the other Tipton County cities the authority to take any and all necessary precautions to protect the health and welfare of its citizens,  hire temporary and permanent employees, utilize volunteers, rent equipment, acquire and distribute supplies and issue orders to shelter in place, if necessary.

It allows the cities the authority to seek federal and state funding to assist with the pandemic.

“If at all possible, please, I ask, that you please stay at home,” he said. “We don’t want the spread of this virus to continue in our community and this is an effort, if you stay at home, to prevent the spread. Again, unless you have to be out, stay at home, stay well and stay informed.”