Mask mandate in Meridian extendend until Nov. 30

Today in Meridian, Mayor Percy Bland has signed an executive order extending the city, wide mask mandate, which was scheduled to end tomorrow, for another month.

The city-wide mask mandate, which has been in effect since late July, was initially extended in the beginning of October, and has once again been extended to remain in effect until Monday, November 30.

With the mask mandate extended, the same penalties will remain enforced for anyone over the age of 2, who is able to medically tolerate wearing a facial covering to do so when in public spaces. With the first violation leading to a warning citation, but the second will result in a fine of $250 for a business found in violation, and a fine of $100 for an individual found in violation.

Mayor Percy Bland stated that the mandate has been extended in reaction to the recent uptick in local COVID-19 cases.

“We have been looking at our numbers, and our data, and the bottom line of it is we have seen a marked increase in cases in Meridian and Lauderdale county. We’ve had several deaths over the last 2 weeks, and you know we just felt like at this time, until further notice, we’re going to continue our mask mandate until the end of November,” said Mayor Bland.

When asked if he plans to possibly extend the mandate once more, Mayor Bland stated that they will continue to monitor the number of coronavirus cases reported locally, also expressing concerns about another large spike in cases this season, like state health officials have warned of.

“Until we’re past this, not just here, but in the nation across the world. I think we’re going to be in this position for the foreseeable future,” said Mayor Percy Bland.

City officials will continue to make a decision regarding if the mask mandate will be extended, on a month to month basis.