The City of Willow Springs has been actively engaged with the Howell County Health Department, Ozarks Medical Center, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and local Law Enforcement, monitoring the containment and risks associated with the coronavirus specifically for our community by forming a Covid-19 Task Force using information provided by the Missouri Health Association, the CDC and the Governor’s office. Missouri Governor Parson has directed the Department of Health and Senior Services to require “social distancing” statewide, therefore, the Director of the DHSS, pursuant to the authority granted under section 192.020, RSMO, hereby orders the following:
- In accordance with the guidelines from the President and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, every person in the State of Missouri shall avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people. For purposes of this Order, “social gatherings” shall mean any planned or spontaneous event or convening that would bring together more than ten (10) people in a single space at the same time.
- In accordance with the guidelines from the President and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, every person in the State of Missouri shall avoid eating or drinking at restaurants, bars, or food courts; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed throughout the duration of this Order.
- In accordance with the guidelines from the President and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, people shall not visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance.
- In accordance with the guidelines from the President and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, schools shall remain closed. This Order does not prohibit schools from providing child care and Food and Nutritional Services for those children that qualify. Teachers and staff may enter the building as long as they follow the directives set forth in this Order.
This Order does not prohibit people from visiting a variety of places, including grocery stores, gas stations, parks, and banks, so long as necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including maintaining at least six feet (6’) of distance between all individuals that are not family members.
The Order will take effect beginning 12:01 A.M. Monday, March 23, 2020 and remain in effect until 12:01 A.M. Monday, April 6, 2020 unless extended by further order of the Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services with said extensions not to exceed the duration of the effective period of Executive Order 20-02.
This does not mean that businesses need to close, however, each business will need to find a way to operate under the Governor’s order. We feel that every member of the public has a critical role to play in making sure the Willow Springs community, including businesses, faith-based organizations and residents, be protected by encouraging frequent hand-washing, cleaning areas using sanitizing products frequently and implementing standards for employees and customers.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) activated a statewide public hotline for citizens or providers needing guidance regarding the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The hotline is open and can be reached at 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
At this time, all City offices and city services are continuing to operate in a heightened awareness and caution by encouraging residents to communicate in other ways, instead of foot-traffic or face-to face meetings here at city hall or the police department. The following are methods of communicating, paying utilities or making court payments:
Drop-box—–Drop payments off at City Hall using our drop-box located right outside the main entrance.
Credit/Debit card payments:
Call city hall at 417-469-2107
Online payment for utilities:
Willowspringsmo.com
City Hall 417-469-2107 FAX 417-469-4789
Police Department 417-469-3159
E-mail your questions or comments concerning:
Court aworley@willowspringsmo.com
Utilities gbrook@willowspringsmo.com or
Police aglenn@willowspringsmo.com
Nuisance issues or
DR-4317 Buyout issues hduddridge@willowspringsmo.com
Infrastructure issues
Or other any other concerns bhicks@willowspringsmo.com
You can also report a concern by going to our website to submit your comment.
Willowspringsmo.com
We have conveniently located a drop box near the entrance of city hall as well to drop your payment off or to communicate any concern that you may have. Please make sure that you include your contact information and phone number so that we may be able to get back in touch with you.
Of course, please call 9-1-1 immediately for any emergency you may have. All public safety services, emergency management and law enforcement are ready and prepared to serve and lead any local responses.
The hoarding of cleaning supplies, toilet paper, soap, food and water or other basic goods could be detrimental to the community’s ability to respond as needed to this health crisis. This could also be detrimental to other residents that may have an emergent need for those items. This is a situation that is constantly evolving, and the City will be monitoring this situation daily and could implement changes to this schedule if needed.
It is important as a community that we take care of ourselves, each other and any that may be affected by this. Willow Springs and the surrounding community is strong and resourceful. We do not respond with panic and we will not be driven by fear. Please have confidence that your City will take the necessary steps to provide a safe and healthy community and try to make the best decisions based on good factual information provided by our state and local health professionals
