Stuttgart Implements Curfew Due to Health Concerns of COVID-19

Stuttgart Chief of Police Mark Duke has issued the following statement:

Due to the health concerns of the COVID 19 virus, the Mayor & City Council of Stuttgart have enacted Ordinance 1972. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The Ordinance states that effective immediately ALL CITIZENS are placed under a Temporary Curfew from 9pm-5am. In addition, all minors (17 & under) shall have a daytime curfew from 7am-3pm.

Exceptions: If you are engaged in essential activities such as commuting to and from work, performance of a work duty, Driving or riding in a vehicle that is conducting essential business. If you are going to a place of business, buying food, groceries or fuel. Seeking medical assistance, picking up medication or caring for a relative. Making contact with local, county, state or federal agency or if you are traveling to or from a location outside the corporate City Limits.

All minors (17 & under) shall remain on their own property from 7am-3pm unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or going to their normal place of work. From 3pm-9pm we ask that you keep your children off the streets and do not let them gather in groups.

If you are found in violation of the curfew (without reasonable cause) explained in Ordinance#1972 you can be fined $100 for the 1st offense, $250 for the 2nd offense and up to $1000 for any offense thereafter with a possibility of up to 30 days in jail. The parents or guardians of Minors that violate the curfew shall receive the criminal summons & or fine.

We are asking that you hold no events, parties or cookouts at this time. This is the best way to prevent the Corona Virus from spreading among family & friends. We are trying to reduce the amount of non-essential travel and encourage social distancing. We all have to use caution while we are dealing with something like any of us have ever seen before. This is no different than what we are seeing adopted in many cities across the State of Arkansas and the United States.

We all hope this is a temporary thing and everything will return to normal as soon possible. May God Bless Us All.

Chief Mark E. Duke