Winston County Added To Mandatory Mask List

Governor Tate Reeves added six more counties to the list of counties where the mandatory use of masks in public is required. Expressing concerns over the capabilities of health care to provide ICU services due to the number of COVID-19 across the state. this brings the total number of counties with mandates to 29. the six newest counties added to the list include Calhoun, Lamar, Holmes, Montgomery, Winston and Yalobusha. These counties have infection rates equivalent to 500 per 100,000 population.

Reeves also announced additional restrictions statewide - limiting social gatherings to 10 individuals inside and 20 individuals outdoors, prohibiting alcohol sales after 11:00 pm in restaurants and bars and requiring that customers be seated before alcohol is served. Reeves noted that the largest outbreak across the state is in the 20-29 age group.

The following excerpt is from the Governor's website and details the mandate for Winston and the additional 28 counties included:

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 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.
• Further limits on social gatherings: down to no more than 10 indoors and 20 outdoors.