?If you didn?t see it, the Kennedale News sponsored a Question and Answer session with Kennedale Mayor Brian Johnson on the current situation with the coronavirus.??This was presented live on the Kennedale News Facebook this past Tuesday. Jeff Nevarez, the owner of the Kennedale News, hosted the event. {{more: continue …}}?The following is summary of the highlights of the hour long session followed by the actual video of that event. Caution, some readers may not be able to access the video.?No reported cases here yet …?During the Q&A, Johnson said there were no reported cases in Kennedale as of yet [Tuesday March 17]. Johnson said that during a conference call with Texas Governor Abbott, the Governor said that it was doubling daily in Texas. In any case, the Governor said that if there was not now a case in our area, it was no longer if but when the first case will be reported.?Johnson said that the City of Kennedale follows the Tarrant County?s disaster plan. So, when the County makes an announcement, it is applies to the residents of Kennedale. In other words, it is not what the City of Mansfield is doing or the City of Arlington, it is what Tarrant County?s action plan is. Of course that can be superseded by action of the state and national government.?City is open and providing services?…?Mayor Johnson said there may eventually be a skeleton crew at work at City Hall while other staff members work from home but for now the City is operationg normally. He encouraged people to handled issues online or by phone call whenever possible.?City Hall will be working with individuals on their water services and are going not cutting off services during this crisis period.?The Senior Citizen Center is closed along with the Library and Community Center and will be closed at least for the foreseeable future.??The doors are closed but not Library services …??It was mentioned that while the Library doors will be closed there are many things that can still be done. If you check out the Kennedale Library webpage you see that the some of the staff are available to provide information and help with certain services. Books can still be checked out and then picked up curbside (by appointment only).There are also a host of resources available including online education materials, books and movies.?Checking resources on line does require a library card. Normally to obtain a Kennedale Library card requires in-person application but during this time the Library is offering the opportunity for students and staff of KISD, regardless of residency, to apply by phone.?Check out all the Library has to offer @?Kennedale Library??Shop locally when possible …??Johnson did encouraged residents to shop locally, reminding everyone that restaurants were closed but you can still drive-thru and pick-up orders and in some cases have orders delivered.?Johnson reminded viewers to follow common sense procedures …
- wash your hands frequently and thoroughly,?
- avoid large crowds and stay home if you can,?
- don?t hoard items and buy normally.?
- Also reach out to your neighbors or those who you think might need help. ?Kennedale is a caring community,? said Johnson.
Johnson added that “we just need people to act smart” to get through this situation sooner than later.?Stay current with reliable information …?Noting this is a rapidly changing situation, Johnson encouraged citizens to check reliable resources for the most update information including the City of Kennedale, Kennedale ISD, Tarrant County an/or the State of Texas. Jeff Nevarez, the owner of the Kennedale News and moderator the Q&A, reminded viewers that the Kennedale News will post information on its Facebook as it receives it.?May local elections are still in question …??Will May local elections be changed? “That is under consideration,” said Johnson It is something that has reached the Governor?s Office. However, no decision has been made on that issue at this time.?
View replay here if you are able to see Facebook posts …?
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