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An EF-3 tornado touched down in Jonesboro, Arkansas, over the weekend, injuring 22 people.
It tore through businesses already closed due to COVID-19 and neighborhoods where people had already been sheltering-in-place. Officials say such measures likely helped prevent any deaths from the tornado.
Search and rescue efforts concluded Sunday morning, and responders are moving into the cleanup and recovery phases, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day said in a statement.
But now, residents must rebuild with social distancing protocols in place for at least another month.
The Salvation Army, whose staff and property are safe, has been serving meals to first responders since Saturday.
Major Anthony Baso, Jonesboro Corps Officer, said he is working with emergency management officials in the field to assess the situation and determine how best to meet the evolving needs of the community.
The Salvation Army is also preparing to offer food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to families affected by the tornado, in addition to its ongoing response to the COVID-19 crisis.
To support relief efforts, visit helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
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