Miller/Bowie Emergency Management Team to Address COVID-19

Miller County wishes to notify the public on what we, as a community is doing to address the current COVID-19 situation. This event has been designated as a pandemic by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson declared a Statewide Emergency as President Trump declared a National Emergency which will open access to State and Federal assistance if needed.  

Currently, in Arkansas, there are 20 presumed positive cases with 327 being monitored as an identified risk. 103 people have negative test results. The Arkansas Dept. of Health will not disclose the locations of infected or monitored cases other than County only.  

Miller County Office of Emergency Management, under the direction of Miller County Judge Cathy Harrison is working diligently with city and county officials in Texarkana, Miller and Bowie Counties as well as Bossier and Caddo Parish Emergency Management officials on outbreak response. Miller County OEM is in daily contact with the Arkansas Health Department and Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and is receiving updated information that will be provided to the public. Under the direction of Judge Harrison, Miller County has implemented the County Emergency Operations Plan detailing the Health and Medical Plan and is currently seeking direction from the Miller County Health Unit for infectious control protocol.  

Today, March 17, at 2 PM Miller County Office of Emergency Management will host a meeting for city and county officials, 1st responders (Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS), education professionals, health professionals and other members of our Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to discuss alternatives and response at the Texarkana Arkansas Police training room located at the Bi-State Justice Center, 100 N. State Line Ave. Media is invited to attend. This is a meeting of department heads only as we will address the public at a later date.  

Miller County wants the public to rely on reputable media sources and pay attention to City and County officials on direction and guidance. That guidance is disseminated from state and federal sources. Citizens in Miller and Bowie County need to remain calm, avoid impulse buying or a shopping frenzy, keep their hands and face clean by washing with soap and warm water, use hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes capable of destroying contaminants capable of hosting a corona or flu virus. If you feel sick, stay at home and if you think you need to see a doctor, please call the physician for a phone consult BEFORE going to the medical facility.