Replenishing PPE, prisoner transport among local pandemic issues

Published 3:40 pm Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Alabama, Chilton County Commission Chairman Joseph Parnell and the mayors of the countys municipalities have met on a call each week to discuss the changing circumstances.

According to Parnell, some updates that came from the recent meeting include St. Vincents Chilton is reporting they are still in good shape and have all the supplies they need at this time.

However, Chilton County EMA Director Derrick Wright warned that the stockpile of personal protective equipment the county keeps on hand for its emergency personnel is beginning to diminish.

Parnell asked his fellow Commissioners during their April 14 meeting to contact Wright if they know of anyone that could help replenish the supply.

Commissioner Steve Langston stated that for weeks he has been making calls and working with the state and has got Chilton County put on the list to get some personal protective equipment.

According to Commissioner Allen Caton, the state is not currently accepting any prisoners from county jails due to the pandemic.

Caton said they are trying to figure out a solution to the situation, but that the prisoners would eventually most likely have to be transported in individual vehicles.

Its going to be a burden on us [as a county],Caton said.

Parnell also informed the Commission of the governors wishes for there not to be any issues raised during Commission meetings that would incite public opinion or be considered controversial.

This means major topics, such as roads, would be put on hold until after the pandemic is viewed as under control.

As a result, only standard operational business and COVID-19-related items will be featured on the meeting agendas moving forward.