DeKalb sets curfew to battle COVID-19
By Steve Swogetinsky
The Kemper Messenger
The town of DeKalb set a curfew that went into effect Wednesday in response to the Coronavirus.
The curfew will be from 9 p.m. until 6 p.m. Mayor Clark Adams said this decision was made Monday night during an emergency called meeting of the board of aldermen.
"We felt it was necessary," Mayor Adams said. "We ask all people to stay in place and to take the necessary precautions. Don't move around unless it is necessary."
As of Tuesday morning, there is one known positive test for COVID-19 in Kemper County.
"That number could change at any time," Mayor Adams said. "This is a serious situation. We need to be careful, especially with the old folks. We are trying to take care of our citizens."
The Kemper County schools, meanwhile, will be closed for the month of April and no one is sure when classes will resume.
Superintendent Hilute Hudson said the Kemper County schools are continuing to run the breakfast and lunch feeding programs.
The district is also continuing its education programs, even though all the district's buildings have been closed.
Teachers are sending home weekly instruction packages for students to continue their studies. Students are asked to bring their work back in to be graded.
There is a website - kempercountyschools.org - which provides all district updates. Students may get assignments through Google Classroom.
For students who do not have Internet service, they may come to the schools and log into the district's WiFi. They will have to stay in their cars in the parking lot, but this is available.
"We are asking students and their families stay at home and be safe," Hudson said. "We don't know at this point how the work the students are doing at home will be graded. We are following the instructions from the state department of education.
"We are focusing on keeping our buildings clean and safe so they will be ready when our students are ready to return to class."
The Kemper County board of supervisors have set limited access to the Kemper County Courthouse. Only one door is open, and a deputy sheriff is stationed there to ensure anyone coming in has business with the county. Supervisors urge citizens to conduct their business with the county by phone or internet.
Plans for the Kemper County Relay for Life are on hold at this time. The gala and the breakfast have been cancelled at this time. Decisions on other functions will be made as time goes on. The t-shirts are on sale for $15. If you are interested, see a team member for Relay For Life.