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The United States is facing a crisis situation. While we in Luverne have not had to deal directly with the COVID-19 Virus, we believe it will only be a matter of time before we have to do so. The City of Luverne has been and will continue to be in preparation to help our citizens deal with the many issues that are related to this illness.

First and foremost, we want to do everything we can do to keep our citizens safe. There have been numerous recommendations and guidelines issued by State and Federal Authorities. If you have not already done so you should make yourself familiar with those. One of the best sources of information is the Centers for Disease Control. The link to their COVID-19 site is https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

One of the most important things we all can do is to practice social distancing. That means keeping a distance between yourself and any other person of a least six feet.

This is not only for the purposes of protecting yourself but also for the purpose of protecting others.

While your risk of catching the virus may be low and the effects of the virus on you may be minimal, you could very easily come into contact with someone that is very vulnerable to the disease and in a high risk category.

For that reason, please be considerate of others and keep your distance.

Testing for the COVID-19 Virus and for the flu is available.

The testing can be done without having to get out of your vehicle. If you have the symptoms for the illness, do not go to the emergency room or your doctor’s office. Rather, call and if appropriate they will schedule the testing.

The testing has been set up outside the Crenshaw Community Hospital and as I have stated can be done while you are in your vehicle. If you have any questions about whether you should be tested contact your regular physician or the Crenshaw Community Hospital at 334-335-1146.

The City of Luverne will do everything possible to keep essential city functions available. We would ask that you limit your visits to City Hall.

Any utility bills should be paid by using the drop box directly outside the City Clerk’s office. While the Clerk’s office is open at this time it is anticipated that at some point it will be closed and only available by telephone.

Until further notice, all activities at Turner Park have been canceled but the walking trail will be open. The County Lake is also open. The meals provided at the senior center at the Mitchell Building will be by delivery only.

When there is an active case found within the city limits, additional precautions and adjustments to city services will have to be made. We will issue additional statements at that time. In the meantime, please continue to check the City website for additional statements and information. We must do our best to work together and take the necessary precautions to prevent a major health crisis. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.