Newton City issues Mask Mandate

Newton's city mask mandate went into effect today at 8 a.m. this morning. Officials say the mandate will continue until they start seeing COVID numbers go down.

As the number of COIVD cases continues to rise in Mississippi, now totaling over 400,000 cases state-wide. The city of Newton has taken action by putting a mask mandate into effect. The mandate went into effect this morning, August 20th at 8 a.m and will continue until further notice.

“The increase in the numbers. The community has been hit especially hard as has this county. As of this past county, I believe the numbers were 523I believe this past Tuesday tested positive. We’ve also had several deaths in the county. To me, I believe the evidence speaks for itself. Our community was hit hard with 523 people in the last 30 days who tested positive. It’s not gone away. The second wave, this delta variant, is very serious" Alderman Bob Bridges stated.

The mandate states that all citizens of the city of Newton must wear a mask when they are out and amongst the public to protect themselves, the public welfare loves ones, and the health of others.

"It's just a matter of swallowing your pride sometimes and you're going to be inconvenienced. How long are you in a store: 5 minutes, 15 minutes. Church service, an hour long. It's just a mask. Don't make an issue out of it just wear it. If there is anything we can do to stop I believe we should do it. " - Alderman Bob Bridges

The city of Newton is asking that all businesses and citizens of Newton comply with the mask mandate.