Flaggs will reconsider mask mandate for Vicksburg

Because of rising concerns throughout the community, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. announced at Friday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting that he will be meeting with health officials Monday about mandating masks.

“I personally don’t think we should,” Flaggs said, a position he has held for some time.

If the mayor decides to mandate the use of masks, noncompliance will result in a $300 ticket.

Because Warren County and Vicksburg do not fall under the governor’s recent order, it is up to Flaggs to decide whether masks should be mandated in Vicksburg or not. A number of mayors across Mississippi have mandated masks, imposing various fines for individuals and businesses that do not comply.

As of Friday, Warren County has reported a cumulative total of 577 cases of COVID-19 and 20 deaths. Since July 1, 152 new cases and three deaths have occurred in the county.

If enacted, the new compliance officer for the city and police officers will enforce the rule. The compliance officer will also patrol local businesses to ensure they are following the city’s guidelines.

“I don’t think we have enough police officers to enforce this,” Flaggs said.