Masks no longer required in MS. Here’s what it means for casinos, Cruisin’ The Coast.
Those going to Cruisin’ The Coast next week don’t have to wear masks at outdoor events, but masks are still required at casinos and in many businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Tate Reeves on Wednesday lifted the mask mandate that has been in place in Mississippi since early August.
Masks were mandated at all casinos in Mississippi in early July, a month before the statewide order.
The Mississippi Gaming Commission chose not to lift the requirement at this time, said Allen Godfrey, executive director of the Gaming Commission. Employees and visitors to casinos must still wear masks.
“I don’t see changes for us,” said Woody Bailey, executive director of Cruisin’ The Coast. “We’ll follow whatever guidelines the cities may have,” he said, and also the guidelines at the Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, where the Vicari Auction of antique and classic cars and the Cruisin’ Swap Meet are being held. They are two of only a few indoor events during Cruisin’.
The antique and classic car show runs Oct 4-11 and spreads across the three Coast counties, traditionally providing a big economic boost to the area.
People commented on social media after the governor dropped the mask requirement.
“CTC just got better because we don’t have to worry about it,” one person commented.
“I would rather wear mine than get sick. This mess is not over yet. Please be considerate of others,” another person said.
“Of all of the events, this one has the chance to be successful and safe,” Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said, “but it’s going to take people being responsible and being safe.”
Harrison County has seen the average daily cases of coronavirus drop from 50 to 17 new tests a day, he said, “and we want to keep that number low and lower.”
The crowd for Cruisin’ may be a bit smaller than usual this year, but it’s still expected to draw many thousands of antique and classic car owners and spectators to the Coast. At the end of pre-registration, 6,367 vehicles are registered from 41 states. That’s 958 fewer than during pre-registration last year.
The schedule of events shows that most of the casino entertainment and events are canceled this year, including the popular flame-throwing competition.
Biloxi crews will bring out the orange traffic cones on U.S. 90 Thursday night, Oct. 8, ahead of the busy final weekend of Cruisin’.
Restaurant occupancy was increased under the governor’s new order to 75%. The requirement that bars must stop serving from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. was kept in place.
Many restaurants will see people taking advantage of the outdoor seating thanks to the weather forecast that calls for sunny days and temperatures in the low to mid 80s next week.
