Masks required in city

With Coronavirus cases spiking again, Holly Springs Mayor Kelvin Buck has signed an executive order requiring face masks in all public places throughout the city.

Previously, citizens were only encouraged to wear masks, not required.

"The executive order is designed to try to slow the spread of COVID-19," Buck said. "If there's a question about whether you should or should not wear one in certain areas, use common sense."

One of those "areas" includes while walking or jogging. He said if a person is walking or jogging and is a long distance away from anyone else, certainly no mask is required.

"Let common sense be your guide," he said. "You know whether you are in a sutation that could lead to you being exposed or you exposing someone else."

All city employees are required to wear masks while at work and during all their employment duties.

The executive order will be enforced by the Holly Springs Police Department. Any person in the city limits violating this order will be issued a citation by officers.

The executive order took effect at midnight June 26.

Mayor Buck said it will continue in effect at least until the next meeting of the mayor and board of aldermen, which is set for 5:30 p.m. next Tuesday, July 7. The board meetings, during the Coronavirus pandemic, are being conducted via Zoom but they are open for viewing by the public at the Eddie L. Smith Multi-Purpose Building.

The Mississippi Department of Health has reported a rise in numbers of confirmed positive tests for COVID-19 in Mississippi, as well as significant increases in Marshall County.

Mayor Buck said professionals recommend some guidelines for those who have tested positive to COVID-19:

• You need to stay at home unless you need to seek medical care. Call ahead before going to any medical facility and let the medical professionals know you have tested positive for COVID-19.

• You should not go to work, school or other public places.

• You should not use any forms of public transportation.

• It is important to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly and to cover your cough and sneezes.

This week, some local businesses and public entities have again closed to in-house services due to the spike in COVID19 cases. Most are still offering drive-through or call-in services.

For the latest executive order related to COVID-19 issued by Mayor Buck, see page 6 of this week's newspaper.