Belle Mayor Josh Seaver released the following State of Emergency declaration for the city of Belle:

“Upon the recommendations by the Maries County Commissioners, effective 3 p.m. today March 19, 2020, the city of Belle has declared a State of Emergency, in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.

At this time the city of Belle will be closing the lobby of the City Administration Building and will only be accepting payments via credit card over the telephone, through the mail service or through the secure drop box on the front of the building.

Furthermore, all rental facilities owned by the city of Belle will be closed for public use at this time. Please contact the administration building via telephone during normal business hours to arrange rescheduling your event.

The city of Belle is recommending that gatherings be limited to ten (10) or less people per federal guidelines during this time. The city of Belle is also asking that all businesses continue to maintain their cleanliness standards to ensure the health and safety of employees and patrons alike.

The city of Belle currently has no intentions to limit local businesses in their day to day operations. Please be advised that this situation is very fluid and as it develops rules could possibly change.

We ask that citizens within our community and the surrounding area please use common sense while we navigate through the unknown.

• Please be kind to one another (while practicing social distancing of course).

• Don’t be afraid to step outside and breathe the fresh air once the spring weather sets in.

• Support our local businesses and restaurants.

• Be patient with store employees, business owners etc. as they continue to provide services.

• Kids, get your school work done, and parents hug your kids.”

“This will pass,” Seaver added. “Wash your hands.”