story by staff reporter Nora Drenner

Coronavirus  continues to change lives in Sabine Parish as officials respond to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fight the spread of coronavirus.

On March 16,  Police Jury President Mike McCormic and Sabine Parish Homeland Security and Office of Emergency Preparedness Director David Davis declared a state of emergency for the community.

Also announced were two presumptive coronavirus cases in the parish. Testing  on the two have been completed and results are awaiting.

McCormic told Around the Town that beginning at midnight March 17, all eateries within the parish including those in Many, Zwolle, Converse, Fisher,  Florien,  Noble, Pleasant Hill, Negreet and  Ebarb are limited to take out, delivery and drive though services. There is no inside restaurant dining until further notice, however, officials are hopeful that ban can be lifted in mid- April.  

Governor Edwards later in the day placed the same ban on restaurants and he also ordered the closing of bars,  movie theaters, casinos and gyms throughout the state.  

Additionally, noted  McCormic, the  parish has banned the public gathering of folks numbered 50 or more, with the same  statewide gathering limit later  announced by Gov. Edwards.

And, while parish government offices in the courthouse remain open for business,  all persons will have to enter through the front door. A  law enforcement officer will be manned at the door to scan the temperature of all wanting to enter. Those exhibiting a fever will be turned away.  

The town of Many also held a special meeting March 16 to enact precautions.

As a result, the town hall will close to the public beginning  March 17 and  continuing through May 3.  Staff and employees will continue to work, and all  town services will continue as scheduled.

Folks will continue to remit all water payments, tax payments, occupational  license and  ticket fines  by the regular  due date. Payments can be made via the  drive through drop box for cash and check only, by mailing or via a credit card by calling the town hall.  

Furthermore, the town will not disconnect any water meters until May 4  in an effort help contain the virus and encourage proper hygiene and handwashing.

All  town  council meetings, court, committee  meetings, and  activities  at the Many Community Center are also cancelled  until May 4.  

Lastly, the town of Many is strictly enforcing its curfew  for minors that states it is unlawful for any person  under the age of 17 to be on the street  between the hours of  10 p.m.  and 5 a.m.  on Sunday through Thursday, and between midnight  and 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The exception is for those minors accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

The Many police will continue to  patrol the  streets, said mayor Ken Freeman.

Both the parish and town officials reviewed the Sabine Parish  Government  Emergency Operation Plan to be prepared for the worst and like all, they are hoping for the best.