Mask mandate remains in effect in the city of Meridian

Although, Mississippi’s statewide mask mandate has expired, the city-wide mandate is still in effect, after Mayor Percy Bland signed an executive order extending the mask mandate.

The city-wide mask mandate in Meridian has been in effect since late July, requiring anyone over the age of 2, who is able to medically tolerate wearing a facial covering to do so when in public spaces.

The extension of the mandate went into effect today, and the penalties for those found in violation of the executive order remains, with the first violation leading to a warning citation, but the second will lead to a fine of $250 for a business found in violation, and a fine of $100 for an individual found in violation.

Some members of the community shared that they are glad the city has extended the mask mandate.

“It’s okay. I mean, you know, you’re protecting other people and yourself,” said Martha Raymond,

“Well, I think it’s the safest route to go, being that the pandemic is still going on. I think the masks –its helpful to have them, because this thing isn’t really over with yet,” said Joey Bates.

“We’ve been wearing masks, and I’m a nurse at the hospital, and numbers are going down, so I feel like if we do wear our masks for a little while longer, then maybe we can get control of this things and it will go away,” said Brandie Culpepper.

One woman shared that although she believes that wearing the masks have prevented the spread of COVID-19, she does not believe a city-wide mask mandate needs to remain in effect.

“I think enough is enough. I think, let everybody be, let us be ourselves, --and it’s prevented a lot of spread, but I think that the numbers have spoken for themselves, and I just think that we should be free,” said Ashley Langdon.

On October 31, city officials plan to once again examine the need for the city-wide mask mandate, and determine if another extension to the executive order is needed.