If you live or work in Montgomery County, you’d better have your mask on and don’t get caught with your mask off, or it could result in a violation of not only citywide ordinance in Winona, but a statewide executive order by Governor Tate Reeves. Montgomery County is among the five latest counties that have been added to a state mandate by Governor Tate Reeves, making it mandatory to wear masks effective immediately.
Montgomery, Calhoun, Lamar, Winston, Holmes, and Yalobusha join Bolivar, Claiborne, Covington, DeSoto, Forrest, Grenada, Harrison, Hinds, Humphreys, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Panola, Quitman, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Walthall, Washington and Wayne Counties who are all under the same mandate. The executive order expires Aug. 3, 2020.
Reeves said Lamar is the largest of the six counties with over 250 new cases over the last 14 days. “The other five counties are smaller, but every single of those counties exceeds 500 cases per 100,000 residents,” he said.
According to the executive order: Business customers must wear face coverings with the following exceptions:
1) Persons with medical conditions who have trouble breathing or are incapacitated
2) For communicating with hearing impaired lip readers
3) While eating, drinking
4) When required for security reasons (for example, in banks and financial institutions)
5) Swimming, exercising in gyms, and sports
6) Speeches, presentations, or performances
7) In church or while engaging in religious worship
8) Children under the age of six (6) are not required to wear face coverings
Businesses must place signs at entrance(s) informing customers of face-covering requirements and social distancing requirements (six (6) feet of separation from other customers in cashier lines, waiting rooms, and other public spaces). Carts and baskets must be sanitized after each use. All other high touch surfaces such as door handles must be sanitized every two hours. Individuals must keep a minimum of six (6) feet between themselves and individuals not in the same household.
Social gatherings are limited to ten (10) people indoors and twenty (20) people outdoors, with the following exceptions;
1) Churches
2) Classrooms
3) If other limitations apply (for example, there are specific rules for pools.) Face coverings must be worn attending public events if six (6) feet of separation cannot be maintained, with the following exceptions:
1) Organized school athletic practices
2) Outdoor exercising
According to the Mississippi Department of Health data, Montgomery has seen 36 cases since July 13 through July 19. The most significant jump in cases has been in teens and those in their 20s ages 18-29.
Friday, Montgomery County reported 244 cases. Although Carroll County isn’t in the order, it isn’t far behind Montgomery. Friday, Carroll County reported 230 and has seen an increase of 21 cases during the week of July 13 through July 19.
The most significant jump in numbers has been in the age group of 50-59, with those 18-29 not far behind.
Reeves also said there’s a new executive order where bars now have to look more like restaurants. Those going to bars must be seated to be served drinks and must not crowd the bar.
“You cannot crowd up by the bar and mix with lots and lots of people,” Reeves said. Also in the order, bars must stop selling alcohol by 11 p.m.
