Blue Ridge City Council members Nathan Fitts and Rhonda Haight knew people had not gotten the message that Blue Ridge was a shelter-in-place city when they found downtown crowded with window shoppers Saturday, March 28.
Fitts contacted Police Chief Johnny Scearce, and Assistant Chief Mike Presswood and Sgt. Joe Patterson were dispatched to help clear the streets.
Fitts and Haight told this week how they worked with the two officers to tell everyone about the ordinance the council had passed the Wednesday before.
Fitts said most people were understanding and cooperative with the exception of one individual. Most people understood “we were just looking out for public safety,” Fitts said.
During that effort, Patterson was credited with the idea of signs to tell the public about shelter-in-place. The city council members then made arrangements for signs.
Fitts talked about the need to communicate so everyone would know what was taking place.
He and Haight both praised the city police department and all the city employees for their team effort to make sure everyone knows what is going on while keeping the city operating.
Fitts encouraged everyone to “work together and be respectful,” not only while special rules are in place, but also as the city rebounds from the current situation.