The Rexburg Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office have both announced changes to the services they provide during the COVID-19 outbreak. Mayor Jerry Merrill is asking that residents remain calm, not hoard resources and help their elderly or impoverished neighbors.

The police department announced Tuesday that they are suspending fingerprinting services, car seat inspections and installations, public demonstrations (like the K-9 demonstrations they do at schools), talks and tours of the department.

“Booking fingerprints and misdemeanor TCN (Transaction Control Number) cards will be completed as normal,” according to a statement from the police department. “All applicant fingerprinting for employment, certifications, background checks, visas, etc. are suspended.”

The Sheriff’s Office also issued a statment saying they were temporarily suspending fingerprint services, which includes concealed weapon applications.

Merrill said the city will continue its regular services. They have canceled all non-essential events like Rexburg’s Got Talent and other recreational programs. He said they hope to reschedule the events at a later date.

“We’re just trying to do what we can to keep anything from spreading around,” Merrill said.

He said the city has met with local business owners and are encouraging them to let people know their services are still available and to change how they conduct business to keep employees safe and reassure patrons.

“To change how they do business just a little bit,” Merrill said. “To do it over the phone, online or move to delivery. Anything to help people feel more comfortable doing business with them. We need to minimize the impact on our businesses. We’re trying to come up with any ideas we can to help minimize the impact.”

Merrill said they encourage people to continue serious common-sense hygiene practices and social distancing.

“Just stay calm,” he said. “It’d be really great if people would only take what they need from the stores and not stock up on more than they need and leave supplies for others that need them.”

Merrill also encouraged residents to be aware of their neighbors.

“Watch out for your neighbors,” he said. “If you know of any who are struggling financially or are older, help them get through this time. We know it will pass and we'll try to get through it as fast as we can.”

According to a City of Rexburg press release, the city would also like to remind citizens to not flush anything down the toilet that is not toilet paper.

“Everybody (should) have a positive attitude and we'll get through this the best we can," Merrill said. "Hopefully, the steps we're all taking can make this pandemic short-lived."

For more information on canceled events visit the city website at www.rexburg.org.

According to the press release, the City of Rexburg is also coordinating with Emergency Services, Madison Memorial Hospital, Madison School District and East Idaho District 7 Health to monitor the COVID-19 situation. Residents can visit the District 7 website for up-to-date information on COVID-19.