Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) caused county-wide closures this past week. From the nation and state to the city, Brewton is in a state of emergency along with the state and nation.

The first declaration came from President Trump on Fri. followed by Gov. Ivey. Mon. night, Mayor Yank Lovelace declared the city of Brewton in a state of emergency.

Through this rapidly developing story, more closures could apply to the following list.

Escambia County Court Systems:

According to the Supreme Court of Alabama, all in-person court proceedings have been suspended for next thirty days.

The following message is from the desk of Escambia County Presiding Judge Dave Jordan:

Late on Friday, March 13, 2020, the Supreme Court of Alabama issued its Administrative Order Suspending All In-Person Court Proceedings for the Next Thirty Days. That Order is effective March 16, 2020 and extends through April 16, 2020. This Order includes all Circuit, District (including Small Claims), Municipal, Probate and Juvenile Courts in the State of Alabama.
All persons in Escambia County, AL who received a juror summons for Monday March 16th, 2020 should NOT report to court. If you have questions about your jury service please call Linda Young, Jury Coordinator, at the number listed on your juror summons.
Parties with questions about their case(s) should contact their attorney or the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Individuals who were served with a witness subpoena for any case set In Escambia County for court from March 16th through April 16th, 2020 and who have questions should contact the attorney who requested that subpoena or the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
The Supreme Court did NOT close the courts, and the Escambia County, AL Courthouse is NOT closed by this Order. The offices of both Circuit Judges, District Judge, Probate Judge, District Attorney and Circuit Clerk shall remain open pending any future decisions.
Any questions concerning municipal court cases should be directed to that court.
Questions about county offices should be directed to those offices or the Escambia AL County Commission. This action by the Supreme Court does NOT affect county offices.
The courts of Alabama and specifically those in Escambia County remain open, court proceedings only are affected.

Dave Jordan
Presiding Circuit Judge
Escambia County, AL

School Systems:

All K-12 schools in Alabama closed this past week. Gov. Kay Ivey announced the decision during a press conference held on Friday afternoon. Schools could potentially re-open on April 6. This decision will be made at that time. Escambia County School System and Brewton City School System finished classes on Mon. for students.

City of Brewton:

Offices are closed until further notice. The City of Brewton has waived their online payment fees until April 6. Utility services will continue as usual and bills may be paid online.

City of East Brewton:

At press time offices are open. Utility services will continue and bills may be paid at the office or drive-thru.

D. W. McMillan Memorial Hospital:

Accorinding Jason Daniel, director of public affairs and marketing for the hospital, the situation is closely being monitored by the Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed. “We are following the ADPH guidelines.  Any changes to our policies will be announced via release and Facebook communication from our hospital mediums,” said Daniel.

According to the Facebook page, the Flomaton Medical Center Patients are encouraged to reschedule wellness appointments. The hospital said that if many medication is needed, patients are to contact the office and discuss with the nurse/provider at 251.296.2456. The staff will advise if the provider can grant the refill request without the patient coming in for the visit. Please limit accompanying caregivers to only the necessary.

Patients are advised also to check in, leave phone number, and wait in the car if they choose to do so. This is not a requirement. Patients will be  called to the exam room.

Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facilities:

As of press time, visitation to all nursing facilities and assisted living facilities is highly restricted at this time.

Country Place Senior Living in Brewton has limited all visitations to family members and health care workers only. The staff is asking that no one visit unless it is for emotional help to the resident.

The Meadows of Brewton and Westgate village is only allowing health care workers, therapists, and other medical staff to be inside the building at all times. Temperatures are taken at the door for each worker.

Brewton Public Library:

The Brewton Public Library is closed until April 6, due to the virus.

Escambia County Detention Center:

The Escambia County Detention Center is closed and will be for the next several weeks do to the recent virus scare. The lobby will not be open for any reason. If you need to add money to inmate phones, please do so online. The lobby of the sheriff’s office will also be closed. If you need assistance, please call our office number at 809-0741 and someone will assist you. We apologize for any inconvenience but we must consider the Health, safety, and security of our inmates and employees.