Today’s update includes further guidance on masks addressed in Mayor Barker’s Executive Order 2020-4, the #hburgwearsred project in collaboration with Forrest General Hospital and the potential for severe weather this weekend.
Executive Order 2020-4
Yesterday, Mayor Barker issued an executive order regarding guidance for masks in the business space. He also addresses masks and the general public. The highlights are below:
- Employees in the same workspace as other employees…must wear masks
- Employees in the same room as the public…must wear masks
- All shelter in place and social distancing measures remain in effect.
Knowing that not every business is the same, any employee or business that needs guidance can call 601-545-4501, email mayor@hattiesburgms.com or message the City or Mayor Barker on Facebook.
What is a mask? It’s a face covering, including, but not limited to:
- fabric masks
- homemade linen or cloth masks
- household dust mask
- handkerchief
- scarf
- surgical mask
- N95
In short, a mask can be anything that can cover your nose and mouth while still allowing you to comfortably breathe.
The city joins the CDC and the State Department of Health in recommending that if you go into a public space where other people are gathered…wear a mask.
For Mayor Barker’s latest briefing:
#HBURGWearsRed
Right now, red ribbons and other presentations of red are popping up in communities all across the country as a unified display of hope, faith and determination to show that we will get through this public health crisis. The color red is often associated with energy, strength, power and determination – all which embody #TheHattiesburgWay.
As a community, we will get through COVID-19 and we will be stronger for it. For these reasons and more, we are encouraging the community to join together to place a red ribbon on a tree or door at a home/ essential business or to wear red (even while at home) in solidarity for this effort.
Next Wednesday (April 15), the City of Hattiesburg will join Forrest General Hospital in promoting the effort by proudly wearing or displaying red throughout the city.
From red ribbon left over from the Christmas season to the red shirt in a closet, all can be repurposed for this initiative. Use the time between now and then to prepare and then on April 15, 2020 – citizens are encouraged to tag the most creative of efforts using what is on hand to display red in support with #HBURGWearsRed.
From a safe distance, we can all share the collective spirit of Hattiesburg’s hope, faith and determination.
Severe Weather Update
Unfortunately, the Hattiesburg area is forecasted for a severe weather outbreak possible Sunday morning through Sunday evening. Tornadoes are likely, some of which could be strong and long-tracked. Damaging wind gusts up to 70mph, large hail up to golf ball size, and locally heavy rainfall are also likely with the strongest storms.
The city will continue to work with Forrest County Emergency Management District to keep an eye on the forecast.