NEWS

March 2020

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COVID-19 VIRUS: Important Information

 

Alabama and the entire United States are experiencing something never experienced

before. On a typical day, most people are eating at restaurants, shopping at local stores,

attending meetings/conferences and engaging with colleagues and friends quite often.

However, due to the current COVID-19 virus, we must think and act differently. This

is a critical and unprecedented time in our community, state and country.

 

According to disease control experts, the only way we can prevent or slow the spread

of COVID-19 is with to avoid exposure to people outside of your household.  It is

encouraged that you continue to go outside for fresh air and exercise, but we all must

alter our routines. Avoid casual visits and do not go places that aren’t necessary. If you must leave home, remember to maintain a 6-foot distance from other people and to wash your hands thoroughly after touching surfaces others may have touched.

 

 

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- Resources -

 

Resources for COVID-19 may be found at the following websites:

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St. Clair County COVID-19 Resource Directory - www.stclairco.com

 

Alabama Department of Health  -  www.alabamapublichealth.gov

 

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - www.cdc.gov

 

CDC Official Coronavirus Disease 2019 - www.coronavirus.gov

 

Alabama Department of Senior Services - www.alabamaageline.gov

 

SBA Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources - www.sba.gov

- Contact - 

 

To Email Questions about COVID-19:  Covid19info@adph.state.al.us

 

To Telephone Questions about COVID-19:

 

If you are having symptoms or feel ill, please call your physician, your clinic or your emergency department before showing up.

This disease is highly contagious, and the healthcare provider can advise you whether you should be tested or not.

Testing sites are being set up across the State. Testing sites are experiencing shortages in screening and testing supplies. 

Please call 1-888-264-2256 for testing site information only. There is no medical advice provided at this telephone number.

 

For General COVID-19 Questions: 1-800-270-7268

 

For Seniors: Information may be available at 334-242-5743 or 1-877-425-2243

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Fraud & Scam Protection: The Department of Justice is remaining vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to  the crisis. Find out how you can protect yourself and helpful resources on DOJ’s Coronavirus Fraud Prevention website. The Federal Trade Commission's website also has helpful information for consumers to avoid coronavirus-related scams.

-Orders, Proclamations & Advisories-

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Following are links to the most recent orders and proclamations, with the most recent at the top of the list:

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- Riverside Municipal Information - 

 

Municipal Court: 

- The Alabama Supreme Court issued an order suspending all in-person court proceedings from March 16-April 16, 2020. As such, the City of Riverside Municipal Court will be closed for that period as well. Court appearances scheduled for April 9, 2020 will be tentatively rescheduled for May 14, 2020.

- Those ordered to complete Defensive Driving School should contact the school for updated class dates.

- Municipal Court Payments can be made
     By Phone- 205.302.7443
     Online- www.riverside-al.com.
     In Person- Dropbox located outside City Hall

 

Riverside Community Shelter:

- The Community Shelter is closed to reservations until at least April 6. Parks & Recreation staff will re-evaluate the conditions surrounding COVID-19 at that time.

- The ADPH feels that someone’s first priority should be to protect themselves from a potential tornado. If a warning is issued for our area, you are more likely to be affected by the tornado than the virus.  With that being said, the Riverside Community Shelter will be opened to the public if St. Clair County is placed under a Tornado Watch. 

 

Riverside Parks & Rec:

- Due to the recent regulations and concerns over the Coronavirus, as of now, public parks and recreations have not been deemed closed in our area by our local Municipal officials nor by State officials with the exception of public playgrounds. We do ask that residents and visitors follow safety guidelines set forth by the Order of the State Health Official.  This includes no gatherings of no more than 25 individuals.

 

Trash Service:

- Advanced Disposal has stated that there is no interruption anticipated in regard to trash collection as long as items are properly placed in trash receptacles.

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What is Being Done by the City of Riverside?

  • Riverside  City  Hall:  City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Municipal employees are onsite, with revised work hours, for “essential services only" during this time.

  • Building Permits & Business Licenses: Residents and contractors may continue to request licenses and permits by calling City Hall. Building inspections are expected to continue as normal, as they have not been deemed to pose a significant health hazard. For assistance, email info@riverside-al.com or call 205.338.7692.

  • City Meetings: For those interested in attending any scheduled City meeting, postponements will be made to adhere to the Public Health Order of the State Health Official.  All rescheduled meeting dates will be posted on the City Calendar.

  • Police and Fire Administration: Access to these departments at City Hall has been restricted for the health and safety of our first responders. The Police and Fire station will remain staffed and fully operational. 

For Riverside Police or Fire Assistance call
Emergency- 9.1.1
Non-Emergency- 205.884.3333​

  • Utility Services: There is no interruption anticipated in regard to utility services provided by the City. 

Riverside Water Payments can be made

By Phone- 1-866-729-2549
Online- www.riverside-al.com
In Person- Dropbox located outside City Hall. ​

  • Business Licenses: Business owners may continue to purchase business license online through Avenue.

  • City staff are working to service resident requests as quickly and safely as possible.

  • Staff are continuously reminded to employ “best practices,” i.e. frequent and thorough hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer, etc.

  • Work schedules are being adjusted as needed to assure that public safety services do not experience an interruption.

Social-distancing-Covid-19.webp

What Can You Do?

We fully understand your concerns and, as always, are continuing efforts to assure your health and well-being.

We encourage all residents, businesses and City staff to adhere to the following recommendations:

  • Do not call 911 or go to hospital emergency departments for the purpose of being tested for COVID-19. 

Testing should be reserved for those who are showing symptoms and/or have been advised by their

physician to be tested. If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms of a contagious respiratory illness and

you must call 911 for a medical emergency. Please inform the 911 dispatcher of your symptoms. This will

allow first responders to take extra measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Cover your mouth with a tissue or your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

  • Discard used tissues immediately.

  • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that is 60-90%

alcohol-based.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Practice social distancing. Try to keep an optimal six-foot distance from other people.

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well or experiencing flu-like symptoms. Contact your doctor.

- The Alabama Department of Public Health developed a Public Service Announcement to provide you

with pertinent information on COVID-19 and to help with identifying resources. The information is below.

 

FAQs

 

Q: What is COVID-19?

 

A: Alabama has identified COVID-19 cases across the state. COVID-19 is a virus strain, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, which has only spread in people since December 2019.

 

 

Q: How does the COVID-19 spread?   

 

A:  COVID-19 is primarily spread though respiratory droplets, which means to become infected, people generally must be within six feet of someone who is contagious and come into contact with these droplets. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Recent studies from the National Institute of Health have indicated that the virus may live as long as 3 days on surfaces but more likely can live a few hours to a day. Public surfaces such as doorknobs, stair rails and elevator buttons need to be cleaned regularly and people should wash their hands frequently.

 

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

 

A: Symptoms of COVID-19 appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

 

Q: How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

 

A: The best protection is to practice social distancing (physical separation) which is defined as 6 feet of space between people. If you have a chronic illness such as hypertension, diabetes or lung disease, please shelter in place and avoid public areas. If you have to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, please keep 6 feet of distance between you and other shoppers. Wipe grocery cart handles.

 

Q: Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?

 

A: To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands with soap after being around animals. If you have COVID-19, it is recommended that you stay away from your pets.   

 

Q. What about weddings and funerals?

 

A: Effective March 19, 2020, an order was issued stating that all gatherings of 25 persons or more, or gathering of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited. 

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If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@riverside-al.com or call 205.338-7692.

February 2020

2020 CENSUS: You Count

 

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What Is the 2020 Census?

The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories.

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Who Is Required To Respond?

Everyone living in the United States and its five territories is required by law to be counted in the 2020 Census.

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Important Dates

In mid-March, homes across the country began receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.

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For more information visit www.2020census.gov/

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