New COVID-19 Restrictions Going Into Effect on Monday July 13
Gov. Tate Reeves is instituting additional restrictions on 13 counties — including Hinds, Rankin and Madison — because of a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
The order, which Reeves said will go into effect Monday, requires residents in the affected counties to wear masks while in public. Business owners are asked to post notices to customers that masks are mandated.
Businesses must provide face coverings for employees who have direct contact with customers and face masks must be worn at all times.
Under the new executive order, social gatherings are now limited to 10 people inside and 20 people outside.
The governor laid out the following targeted guidelines for social distancing and sanitation protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 within the 13 counties, including:
For all businesses:
- All businesses are expected to take every step necessary to implement the regulations, orders, and guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing and encouraging sick employees to stay home.
- All employees will be screened daily at the beginning of their shifts, including asking whether they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have they had a fever in the last 48 hours.
- Based on their duties and responsibilities, employees who are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others must wear a face covering throughout their shift, such as a face mask. Their face coverings must be cleaned or replaced daily.
- Hand sanitizer must be provided to all employees, which can include a hand rub or soap.
For retail businesses (in addition to measures above):
- Face coverings must be provided to all employees who come in direct contact with customers. Employees are required to wear that face covering throughout their shift and clean or replace daily.
- All customers must wear a face covering while inside the retail business.
- Hand sanitizer must be placed at all entrances, in or near bathrooms, and at cashier stations.
- Retail businesses are expected to make all efforts to maintain a 6-foot distance between customers at all times.
- Carts, baskets, and other similar surfaces touched by customers must be sanitized after each use. Other high-touch areas must be sanitized at least once every two hours.
For people out in public:
- Everyone must wear face coverings when at public gatherings or in a shopping environment.
- People must maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and others.
Jackson and Canton have already issued mask mandates as has Madison County.
For more details read the whole article on WAPT.
