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All city of Atmore services will remain online as the area works to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, officials said Monday.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s website.

COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

During a special-called meeting with city officials and councilmembers, Mayor Jim Staff said all essential services will remain online, including garbage and limb pick up.

Additionally, activities that require a group of people have been suspended, Staff said.

As far as athletic activities, all Atmore Cal Ripken baseball practices for all age groups have been postponed until April 6, according to officials.

Staff said restaurants like David’s Catfish and Popeye’s are transitioning to take out only on a voluntary basis.

When asked if the other resturants at Rivercane and around the city will be asked to voluntarily limit food service due to help control the spread of the virus.