Saturday at noon, the Mayor and City Council of Columbus implemented sweeping regulations that will affect all businesses and gatherings of citizens in some way or fashion. These regulations were put into place after much deliberation and review of guidance from the CDC and Miss. Department of Health. I know these regulations are going to affect businesses deeply, but the are crucial in order to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. The Mayor and City Council are very concerned about the health, safety and welfare of all the citizens and visitors to the City. These are the reasons the Council and I passed Resolution and the Ordinance regarding penalties for violations. These regulations took effect Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 5 p.m. and will remain in effect until further notice.
We are optimistic that the citizens will comply with these reasonable measures and ask for the buy-in of our community.
Businesses allowed to remain open with restrictions
· Restaurants – No inside dining. No outside dining. Pickup, drive-through, delivery still permitted.
· Churches and other assemblages and gatherings – only permitted with 10 or fewer people.
· All businesses employing 10 or more persons in one business location must follow CDC and Miss. Department of Health guidance and implement safeguards to prevent spread.
· Essential service businesses and agencies including hospitals, nursing homes, health clinics, drug stores, pharmacies, banks, grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, military installations, security and emergency response operations. These businesses must follow CDC and Miss. Department of Health guidance and implement safeguards to prevent spread to the extent that is practical.
These businesses must close at 5 P.M. on March 21
· All bars, nightclubs, meetings of fraternal organizations, civic organizations, child-care facilities, bowling alleys, recreational facilities, skating rinks, tattoo parlors, gyms, barbershops, hair/beauty, nail, tanning salons, spas, conventional centers, community centers and parks.
General curfew
· General curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m except for essential travel by those over the age of 18 years.
Criminal penalties
· Violators will be criminally prosecuted with fines up to $1000 per day and 90 days in the county jail – Each day constitutes a separate offense.
Robert Smith Sr. is the mayor of Columbus.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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