Changes to Vicksburg’s COVID-19 proclamation Sept. 14 to Oct. 5 – full text

PROCLAMATION REGARDING THE RE-OPENING OF VICKSBURG WHILE MINIMIZING THE RISK OF INFECTION AND TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 AT 3:00 P.M. THROUGH 8:00 A.M. ON OCTOBER 5, 2020

WHEREAS, pursuant to §§45-17-1 through 45-17-13, and §33-15-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, the Mayor is authorized to proclaim that a Civil Emergency exists defined as any natural disaster or man-made calamity resulting in the death or injury of persons to such an extent that extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety and welfare; and

WHEREAS, §21-19-3 gives municipalities the authority to make regulations to prevent the spreading of contagious or infectious diseases and to make quarantine laws for that purpose; and

WHEREAS, §33-15-17 authorizes the Mayor to control or restrict egress, ingress and movement within the local emergency area necessary to facilitate the protection of life and property; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to these laws, the Mayor is authorized to issue such orders as he deems necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Vicksburg, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that has spread across this nation is a worldwide pandemic and as of September 14, 2020, the Mississippi Department of Health has reported 90,018 positive confirmed cases and 2,706 deaths in Mississippi, 48 of which were in Warren County; and

WHEREAS, previous emergency orders have required that persons stay at home and that certain businesses be closed in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Mississippi has adopted a Safe Return Order in an effort to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while allowing the businesses to open and persons to return to work; and

WHEREAS, it is likewise necessary for Vicksburg businesses to safely open and Vicksburg citizens to safely return to work.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF VICKSBURG pursuant to §§45-17-1 through 45-17-13, §21-19-3 and §33-15-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, the following regulations apply:

The Proclamation effective September 8, 2020 shall remain in full force and effect until 8:00 a.m. on Monday October 5, except as follows:

1. Retail businesses, including grocery stores, building supply stores, convenience stores, cigar shops, liquor stores, or any other store that sells items to the public shall adopt reasonable, good-faith measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including but not limited to limiting the number of customers in their stores at one time to no greater than 75% of the store’s maximum capacity in order to ensure compliance with social distancing protocols, and frequent cleaning of high-contact surfaces (such as retail counters, door handles, and credit card machines). Retail businesses are  encouraged to make hand sanitizer available to customers at points of entry and exit.
2. Group Gatherings (Social Distancing IS NOT Possible): Public and private social gatherings and recreational activities shall be limited to groups of no more than 10 people in a single indoor space or groups of no more than 50 people in an outdoor space where individuals not in the same household are in close proximity (less than 6 feet) to each other. This limitation does not apply to religious entities, voting precincts, or gatherings governed by other capacity limitations.
3. Group Gatherings (Social Distancing IS Possible): Except as otherwise provided, public and private social gatherings and recreational activities shall be limited to groups of no more than 20 people in a single indoor space or groups of no more than 100 people in an outdoor space where individuals are able to maintain a minimum of 6 feet separation between individuals not in the same household. This limitation does not apply to religious entities, voting precincts, or gatherings governed by other capacity limitations.
4. Restaurants and bars:
   1. The number of customers in the restaurant or bar shall be no greater than 75% of seating capacity.
   2. Floor plans shall be updated to ensure at least six feet of separation between each party/group whether dining indoor or outdoor. Party sizes shall be limited to a maximum of ten (10) customers per table.
   3. Buffet Services: Self-service buffets and food stations are prohibited. Self-service   drink stations are permitted.
5. Gyms may be open to the public 24 hours a day.  The number of customers in the gym shall be limited to no greater than 75% of the gym’s maximum capacity.
6. Reception halls and conference centers shall operate subject to the following limitations:

1. 1. Except as otherwise provided herein, the number of guests in the reception hall or conference center shall be no greater than 25% of the     maximum seating capacity, with strict social distancing between individuals not in the same household.
   2. For seated dinners only, reception halls and conference centers shall limit the number of guests to no greater than 75% of maximum seating capacity. Tables shall be arranged to ensure a minimum of 6 feet of separation between tables. Seating at each table shall be limited to a maximum of 10 guests with strict social distancing.
   3. Food services are subject to the limitations placed on restaurants.
   4. These limitations apply to events and receptions held in outdoor events.

Business violations of the face covering requirements or any other violation of this EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION will be subject to misdemeanor prosecution pursuant to Sec. 45-17-9 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, Sec. 33-15-7 and Sec. 1-9 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Vicksburg, including a fine of up to $1,000.00 and 90 days in jail.

THIS PROCLAMATION SHALL BE IN EFFECT BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 AT 3:00 P.M.  AND SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL 8:00 A.M. ON OCTOBER 5, 2020 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED HEREIN OR EXTENDED, MODIFIED OR REPEALED BY A SUBSEQUENT PROCLAMATION.

SO RESOLVED this the 14^TH day of September 2020.

____________________________

GEORGE FLAGGS, JR., MAYOR

CITY OF VICKSBURG, MS

ATTEST:

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CITY CLERK