By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Saturday morning, the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) held a conference call with local leaders, including mayors, pastors, and law enforcement, on how to deal with the developing COVID-19 situation.

EMA Director Anthony Clifton stated the call was to discuss the continuity of government after President Donald Trump declared a national emergency for the virus yesterday afternoon.

He encouraged each individual government within the county to make a plan on how to address the situation. Clifton stated the emergency declaration did not allow local governments to bypass the Sunshine Law, and municipalities must have open, public meetings, even if citizens are required to sit in the back.

"The only way to stop this is social distancing. Period, end of story," said Clifton, who stated his children would not be attending school and his family would not be attending church services.

Clifton urged mayors to close all non-essential functions and encouraged all elderly citizens, and those with heart conditions or diabetes, to stay home.

Michael Posey with the Homeland Security Department stated that citizens should go the extra mile for protection, and call ahead if you need to see a doctor.

Clifton went on to say that gatherings of more than 250 people are discouraged.

"This is not our first rodeo," said DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow. "We have been through some terrible situations in the last 25-30 years. We have dealt with things we can see, this we cannot. We are going to have to take this on a daily basis. Afflictions make us stronger, we will come out on the other side better than before, and we just need to pray that the Lord will help us out in this."

Another meeting regarding COVID-19 preparedness will be held on Monday, March 16 at the DeKalb County Activities Building.