Jackson becomes latest city in Mississippi to require face masks. Here are the details
A mask mandate is officially underway in Mississippi’s capital city.
The order, which is part of Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba’s “Second Amended Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order,” went into effect Thursday, requiring residents to wear face masks in public.
Those who forego a face covering risk a $300 fine, and businesses face closure if customers aren’t wearing masks.
“Businesses found in violation will be shut down for 24-hours and must submit an Attestation of Compliance with the City of Jackson before reopening,” according to a message posted to the city’s website.
The mask mandate is in effect for all residents and businesses in the city of Jackson, with the mayor’s order also requiring businesses to post the policy “in a conspicuous area sufficient to provide notice to employees and visitors.”
The decision comes as several U.S. states, including Mississippi, see a resurgence of coronavirus cases. Earlier this week, Lumumba threatened to shut down the city again if cases continue to climb, WAPT reported.
On Wednesday, the Mississippi State Department of Health recorded 870 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the state’s total over 28,700 with more than 1,000 deaths. Hinds County, which includes Jackson, has the highest number of cases in the state with 2,297, as of July 1, data show.
In explaining the new measures, Lumumba stressed the importance of wearing a mask, especially as cases continue to increase.
“We are critically concerned and serious about the protection of our residents,” the mayor said during a news conference posted to Facebook.
“I want you to know we are a business-friendly city,” he added. “We’re grateful for the businesses that reside in our city. But when faced with the concern of a global pandemic and the death of our residents, we have to take the measures which are necessary to protect them.”
There are exceptions to the new policy, however.
As stated in Lumumba’s order, masks aren’t required in specific circumstances, including:
- During exercise or physical activity outdoors;
- Driving alone or with passengers who are members of the same household;
- When pumping gas;
- When working alone in non-public workplaces where social distancing can be maintained;
- When eating or drinking at a public restaurant or bar;
- When wearing a mask “poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk.”
Tupelo, a city in northern Mississippi, also issued a mask mandate last month, WTVA reported. Mayor Jason Shelton signed an executive order June 26 requiring face masks in all businesses with the city’s limits.