Warren County to purchase 10,000 masks for use by the public

Warren County is purchasing 10,000 disposable face masks to distribute to the general public as necessary, so that anyone who needs a mask can get one.

During Monday’s Warren County Board of Supervisors work session, the board authorized purchasing agent Tonja Vinson to proceed with purchasing the masks.

Vinson has identified vendors with price points between $.85 and $2 each, including some manufactured by Mississippi Prison Industries and Delta Blue Jean Company.

District 3 Supervisor Shawn Jackson said she has had numerous requests for masks from her constituents. Jackson urged the board to create a mechanism so that anyone who needs or wants a mask can obtain one. She added that the requirement that masks be worn in county buildings could prove a hardship to some, especially if someone had traveled from an outlying area and simply forgot to bring one.

Warren County Emergency Management Director John Elfer said that he has masks available through his office now. He has designated Lisa Buchanon, a part-time employee in his office, as a liaison to various groups making masks including Masks of Mississippi and private individuals sewing masks at home. Elfer mentioned the possibility of partnering with the United Way as a point of distribution.

The latest revision of the county’s COVID-19 resolution requires that employees and the general public wear masks in county facilities including the courthouse.