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By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

The Maplesville Town Council has declared a state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the resolution, “The mayor is hereby authorized to exercise all emergency powers granted in Alabama Code 31-9-10(b) as rapidly changing circumstances arise.”

Use of these powers will be reported to the Town Council at subsequent meetings.

Declaring a state of emergency can also qualify the town to apply for federal funding to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Approval was given during a meeting by conference call on April 24. State guidelines for how local governments can meet have been amended to allow this and video conference due to social distancing recommendations.

West Fraser in Maplesville closed down for a week earlier this month after two employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Gov. Kay Ivey will hold a press conference April 28 to give a COVID-19 update. The current stay-at-home order is through April 30, and where the state goes from here is expected to be a topic.