Union supervisors join in asking for dining room closure, provide economic assistance links

Homeland Security Director and the Union County Board of Supervisors issued a statement Monday asking that all restaurants and bars suspend dine-in service immediately to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 illness.

The statement noted that this, along with social distancing, is in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and what other jurisdictions are doing.

New Albany officials issued an order ceasing dine-in service at restaurants but this order only affected businesses inside the city limits.

The county board this past weekend announced that all county offices will be locked immediately to cut down on possible spread of illness and provided information on how to contact the various departments if one has necessary business with any of them.

Clayton also is providing some information to help those who are unable to work due to the coronavirus crisis.

You can apply for unemployment benefits if you are unable to work because you are:

– quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency

– laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employers due to COVID-19 concerns

– diagnosed with COVID-19

– caring for an immediate family member who has been diagnosed

To file a claim, visit the MDES website atwww.mdes.ms.gov

Clayton also said some local businesses may qualify for loans due to the current situation.

Small businesses that are impacted economically can apply for an “economic disaster loan” at  https://www.msema.org/news/sba-declares-economic-disaster-for-mississippi-due-to-covid-19/.

They will have to apply online for SBA assistance.