Mayor halts use of park equipment

An emergency proclamation signed Friday by Mayor Matt Gordon closed city-owned public facilities in Jefferson — including park playground equipment, shelter houses and bathrooms — in an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Gordon, a nurse by profession, cited the recommendations of President Donald Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that people shouldn’t congregate in gatherings of more than 10 during the ongoing pandemic.

Gatherings of 10 or more people in Jefferson are now “strongly discouraged until further notice,” according to the emergency proclamation. Trails and green spaces remain open.

The proclamation is enforceable by the Jefferson Police Department. Violations will be punishable as a simple misdemeanor.

The city of Jefferson’s budget hearing is still scheduled for April 14. Written objections can be made ahead of time by contacting the city clerk’s office.

The Greene County board of supervisors already restricted public access to county offices, which are open by appointment only.

Schools in Greene County are also closed until at least April 30.