COVID 19

RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, REINSTATEMENT, AMENDMENT AND EXTENSION OF THE STAY AT HOME ORDER AND ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR THE CONTROL OF CONTAGIOUS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES

WHEREAS, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Centreville declared a Stay at Home Order on March 24, 2020, as a result of the spread of the coronavirus which became effective March 25, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. and remained in effect for 15 days.

WHEREAS, Tate Reeves, Governor of the State of Mississippi declared a Shelter in Place Order and Directive on April 3, 2020, as a result of the spread of the coronavirus which was made effective at 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2020, and is to remain in full force and effect until 8:00 a.m. on April 20, 2020, unless rescinded, modified or extended; and

WHEREAS, Section 21-19-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, provides that the City has the power to make regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious or infectious diseases, to make quarantine laws for that purpose, and enforce the same within five miles of the corporate limits; and

WHEREAS, Section 21-13-11 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, provides that the City has the power to make all needful police regulations necessary for the preservation of good order and peace of the municipality and to prevent injury to, destruction of, or interference with public or private property; and

WHEREAS, Section 33-15-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, provides that during a local emergency, the governing body of a political subdivision may promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property, including orders or regulations imposing a curfew within designated boundaries where necessary to preserve the public order and safety; and

WHEREAS, the emergence and risk of the spread of the coronavirus within Mississippi continues to constitute a public emergency that has resulted in substantial injury or harm to life, health and property within Mississippi, and in the Town of Centreville, and the coronavirus has already been detected in numerous individuals in multiple counties throughout the State, and in several individuals within the Town of Centreville, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed the first presumptive case of the coronavirus in Mississippi, and as of March 21, 2020, there were at least 207 cases in Mississippi of individuals who have tested positive for the coronavirus, resulting in at least one death in the State; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi continue to be adversely affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus, and there exists a continued threat to the public's safety, private property and the social and economic welfare of this Town, County and State; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Mississippi Department of Health guidelines for responding to the coronavirus recommend avoiding crowds or gatherings of more than 10 people; and

WHEREAS, the governing authority of the Town of Centreville has reviewed and accepts the findings and recommendations of the CDC and the Mississippi Department of Health, and has further received the same findings and recommendations from health professionals within the Town of Centreville accepts those findings and recommendations; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen continue to find that the coronavirus poses a serious threat to the citizens of the Town of Centreville and will continue to cause injury, illness and/or death to persons to such an extent that additional extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety and welfare of citizens and visitors to the Town of Centreville; and

WHEREAS, Section 21-19-29 of the Mississippi Code allows the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Centreville to regulate the entrances to public halls and buildings, and the way of ingress and egress to and from the same; and

WHEREAS, Tate Reeves, Governor of the State of Mississippi, issued a Safer at Home Order pursuant to Executive Order No. 1477 on April 24, 2020, providing for new rules and regulations for the citizens and businesses to conduct their lives and businesses which was made effective at 8:00 a.m. on April 27, 2020, and is to remain in full force and effect until 8:00 a.m. on May 11, 2020, unless rescinded, modified or extended; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen previously adopted the rules and regulations provided in the Executive Order No. 1477 issued by the Governor of the State of Mississippi together with a separate list of "Back to Business" guidelines to be followed by the Town of Centreville; and,

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen have determined that the rules and regulations provided in the current Executive Order issued by the Governor of the State of Mississippi are adopted by the Town of Centreville as though fully copied herein and shall remain in full force and effect until 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2020; and -2

Whereas, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen have determined that it is necessary to adopt a Resolution jointly with the Town of Centreville instituting rules and regulations pertaining to the recommended requirement to wear a mask or face covering as provided for herein in the Town of Centreville..

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN of the Town of Centreville, that the Town does hereby issue its Stay At Home Order for the following emergency measures that shall take effect immediately, and remain in full force and effect until 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2020, unless said Stay at Home Order is rescinded by the governmental authority of the Town of Centreville or modified and extended as provided for herein, to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the community from the spread of a contagious or infectious disease and to eliminate or limit injuries or deaths that may occur in the absence of such measures.

Section 1: Effective immediately, and to remain in full force and effect until 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2020, unless rescinded, modified or extended by Motion and Order of the governing authorities of the Town of Centreville, the governing authorities are recommending that all citizens of the Town of Centreville stay at home until further direction by the Town and that all citizens remain at home unless it is essential to your health, safety and welfare to leave your home. Travel to the grocery store, medical, dental and other health related appointments are deemed essential. The citizens are encouraged to maintain social distancing at all times. The governing authorities encourage all citizens to exercise outdoors provided that you should not congregate in groups of more than 20 persons while maintaining proper social distancing during all times of exercising,

Section 2: Effective immediately, and to remain in full force and effect until 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2020, unless rescinded, modified or extended by Motion and Order of the governing authorities of the Town of Centreville the citizens and businesses of the Town of Centreville shall be highly recommended to follow and abide by the following rules and regulations:

1. Wearing a face-covering in public places and/or when working. Any individual who is over age four and able to medically tolerate a face covering is recommended to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain at least six feet of social distance. Face coverings are recommended in public indoor spaces such as stores and public outdoor spaces.

A face covering shall be considered a device to cover the nose and mouth of a person to impede the spread of saliva or other fluids during speaking, coughing, sneezing or other intentional or involuntary action, Medical grade masks are not required; coverings may be fashioned from scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs, or other suitable fabrics.

Face coverings do not need to be worn in the following circumstances:

a. When exercising outside or engaging in physical activity outside;
b. When driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household

as the driver;

c. When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security

risk such as anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance. For purposes of this subsection, "safety risk" shall include external factors, such as, but not limited to: where wearing a face covering may pose a risk to persons working on ladders or at significant heights, wearing other respiratory protection, heavy physical exertion or operating heavy equipment or operating in an environment where a face coving hinders communications. However, employers are encouraged to structure work to promote social distancing and limit close contact as much as possible within workplaces where face coverings may pose such risks;

d. When pumping gas;
e. When in a building or activity that requires security surveillance or

screening, (for example, banks);

f. When working alone in separate office spaces or in non-public workplaces where six feet of social distancing may be consistently maintained; or

g. When eating or drinking in public at a restaurant, bar, or other food or beverage establishment. A face covering must be worn when entering or exiting any such establishment, and when walking around such an establishment and six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.
2. Face Coverings - Commercial Entities and Establishments. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in prior executive orders and consistent with the foregoing provisions stated within this order, all commercial entities, businesses, establishments, restaurants, bars, theatre houses, auditoriums, libraries, and museums providing goods or services directly to the public are strongly recommended that all employees, patrons, customers, and visitors to the commercial entity's business premises or other facilities wear face coverings when in an area or performing an activity where social distancing of a minimum of six feet cannot be maintained. Such commercial entities and establishments listed in this paragraph are recommended that all employees, patrons, customers, and visitors wear a face covering when entering or exiting any such facility, and when walking around in any such facility and six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.
3. Effective Date; Duration. This Order shall be effective immediately and remain in full force and effect until 12:59 p.m. July 31, 2020 or until modified, amended, rescinded, superseded, or terminated by Motion and Order of the Board of Aldermen.
4. Applicability; Severability. This Order supersedes and replaces any contrary provision in any prior Stay at Home Order. Any provisions within this Order that (i) conflict(s) with any state or federal law or constitutional provision, or (ii) conflict(s) with or are superseded by a current or subsequently-issued Executive Order of the Governor or the President of the United States solely to the extent such Executive Order (a) expressly preempts the substance of this Order or (b) imposes stricter guidelines and closures than set forth herein, shall be deemed inapplicable and deemed to be severed from this Order, with the remainder of this Order remaining intact and in full force and effect.
7. Publication. This Stay at Home Order shall be: (1) promptly filed with the City Clerk; (2) distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; and (3) distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this Order.

Mayor David Owens Jr.

Town of Centreville, Mississippi

COMMUNITY ALLIANCE PROGRAM (TOC-CAP)

At its regular meeting on May 5, 2020, chaired by Mayor David Owens, the Centreville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to adopt a proposal designed to enhance the quality of life in the Town of Centreville by encouraging citizens’ participation in the development of processes and programs to create and maintain a safe and orderly environment and improve the delivery of services in the Town of Centreville. The Town of Centreville’s Community Alliance Program (TOC-CAP) will help to improve the community’s ability to make positive change by promoting citizen involvement and action and by helping people from diverse backgrounds and experiences develop trust, understand each other’s experiences, and work together on solutions.

The purpose of the TOC-CAP:

To empower our community to recognize and make changes to the existing norms, where appropriate.
To encourage community involvement to initiate and/or sustain change efforts.
To develop and implement plans to address problems and concerns within the community.

Basic assumptions of the TOC-CAP:

Local Communities can solve local problems.
Resources can be found and developed at the local level.
Partnership can be more effective in solving local problems than individuals or groups working independently.
Communities can develop action plans and strategies that are realistic and practical.

Anticipated Outcomes of the TOC-CAP:

Increase community and individual ability to identify and address problems and concerns.
Increase community input in decision-making.
Increase community ownership of programs.
Bring additional resources to the community.
Build on networks to spread support, commitment, and changes in norms and behaviors.

We all have a right to be safe, secure, and productive within our community. In spite of our differences and preferences, we can work together to make positive changes. When all is said and done, we have the responsibility for making the decisions that impact the future of the children and our community.

The Town of Centreville Community Alliance Program (TOC-CAP) when fully implemented will reduce the level of actual and perceived crime and disorder in our community and provide a mechanism for improvements in service delivery; all done with active participation and support of the citizens we serve.

For more information, contact David Walker, Alderman-at-Large, toccap2020@gmail.com or (601) 810-9428.

Town of Centreville, Mississippi

COMMUNITY ALLIANCE PROGRAM (TOC-CAP)

OVERVIEW:

The appropriate and effective delivery of services in the Town of Centreville is an evolutionary process, stimulated by the changing needs and expectations of the citizens in the Town. The Town must remain sensitive and responsive to the sometimes-subtle shifts in needs and expectations of the people it serves. To ignore the demands of the citizens can lead to the withdrawal of the Town’s legitimate authority.

The Town has an inherent responsibility to remain aware of the shifts in needs and expectations of its citizens. The Town has a legitimate responsibility to participate in the development of innovative responses; devising strategies and engaging in public debate, seeking solutions to the concerns of citizens.

Recognizing the changing needs and expectations of the citizens in the Town, the TOC-CAP is an effort to develop alternative strategies for the effective delivery of services with the active participation of the citizens.

The most efficient delivery of service has always been the goal of most municipalities. Constant efforts are being made to improve that efficiency by researching progressive strategies utilized nationwide.

A review of various Municipalities’ strategies and innovative approaches to address the needs and concerns of the citizens revealed a wide variety of concepts, many of which contained characteristics beneficial to the Town of Centreville. However, no program lends itself to implementation in the Town without modification. The lack of a readily adaptable program makes it necessary for the Town to create a totally new program for our purposes. Consequently, the TOC-CAP was developed.

The Town of Centreville’s governing body believes that the prevention of crime and disorder must be its number one operational priority. Therefore, a primary mission is the prevention of crime. It is clear that it is better to prevent crime than to put the scarce resources of the Town into motion after a crime has been committed. It is also clear that the TOC-CAP cannot be successful in achieving this mission without the active participation of the community.

OBJECTIVES:

This concept, structured for our particular local needs, will be referred to as the Town of Centreville Community Alliance Program, or (TOC-CAP).

The TOC-CAP is designed to establish shared responsibility for addressing the problems, concerns and needs of citizens in the Town of Centreville, Mississippi.

This initiative is designed to:

Decrease the amount of actual and/or perceived criminal activity in the Town.
Increase the perceptions of personal safety among citizens and visitors to the Town.
Deliver to the citizens the type of services that is consistent with community needs and the ideas of modern municipal practices.
Create awareness among citizens of problems and methods of increasing the Town’s ability to address actual and/or potential undesirable activity effectively.
Develop action among citizens in support of and in full collaboration with the Town aimed at various targeted undesirable behaviors.
Increase the involvement of citizens in creating a safe and orderly environment.

Presently, the duties of police officers consist of emergency response to critical needs of citizens for police services, criminal investigations, and deterrent patrol. The TOC-CAP recognizes these duties and provides assistance to the officers with a structured process which will enhance the officers’ opportunity to provide each duty appropriate attention as well as rendering non-criminal police services to the Community.

It is a basic conviction of the TOC-CAP that the improved delivery of services to our community can only be accomplished with the active participation of citizens in the community.

The TOC-CAP requires strict accountability and therefore encourages constant communication throughout the process. Regular briefings to the Board of Aldermen; conducted as often as possible by the program coordinator, will entail discussion of activity within the community as well as strategic planning for delivery of TOC-CAP services to the community.

The implementation of the TOC-CAP will help to improve the perception of the Town. It will also help to establish a partnership between the Town and the community in efforts to prevent crime and reduce fear among citizens and visitors to the Town.

STRATEGIES:

The Coordinator implementing the Town of Centreville Community Alliance Program (TOC-CAP) will work with citizens to identify problems and/or concerns and use Town and community resources to address the problem and/or concern. Specifically, the TOC-CAP Coordinator will in collaboration with community residents:

Determine problems, needs, and concerns of citizens within the Town.
Develop initiative in collaboration with citizens to address needs, problems, and/or concerns.
Identify resources available from within the community to address needs, problems, and/or concerns.
Coordinate the implementation of the strategies developed through collaborative efforts.

Proper TOC-CAP procedures will provide a receptive framework for community interaction which will be further improved by the activities of the relationship that will be established with the citizens. This relationship will serve to measure the effectiveness of TOC-CAP and to ensure sensitivity to the citizens’ needs as they arise.

Successful TOC-CAP performance in a given area will be constantly monitored so that all TOC-CAP efforts can be readjusted as the situation warrants. This change in strategy and increased emphasis on providing effective services to the Community provided by the TOC-CAP will have a tremendous positive impact on the Town.

It is anticipated that a minimum of five years is required for the benefits of TOC-CAP to be fully realized and become acceptable to all involved. With change comes resistance and doubt. In a community where there are fear and uncertainty and after years of mistrust and lack of community involvement, it will take time, lots of hard work, and constant communications for community residents to become fully engaged in this process.

PERSONNEL:

If approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Alderman-at-Large, David Walker, will serve as the program coordinator. He has extensive law enforcement experience. Alderman Walker served 10 years in the Houston, Texas Police Department where he attained the rank of Police Lieutenant and gained extensive experience in crime prevention, community policing, investigations, training, supervision, and management. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and served as Chief of Police in several cities including Maywood, Illinois; Benton Harbor, Michigan; Hutchins, Texas; Jackson, Mississippi and Terrell, Texas. He served for eight years in the United States Army prior to entering law enforcement. Alderman Walker is currently employed as a Security Inspector with the United States Department of Homeland Security.

ASSESSMENT:

The Town of Centreville Community Alliance Program (TOC-CAP) will conduct surveys of the citizens in efforts to establish and maintain open communications, identify problems, and develop solutions with the active input and involvement of the citizens.

These surveys will be conducted on a regular basis and will provide information to allow the Town to make any necessary adjustments in its delivery of services.

The effectiveness of TOC-CAP will be evaluated by monitoring the number and types of calls for service and the number of repeat calls to the same location or involving the same people. The crime index will also be monitored to determine the effectiveness of the program.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:

The Town of Centreville Community Alliance Program (TOC-CAP) will be implemented in the most expeditious and efficient manner possible. Within 30 days of the approval of the program, the TOC-CAP will be deployed. Immediately after deployment, the first survey will be initiated and completed within 30 days. The survey results will be analyzed and a summary report will be sent to the Board of Aldermen and reported to the community.

The surveys will be conducted in face to face visits with citizens. This strategy will make it clear to the citizens that their concerns and desires are important and it is the intention of the Town to address them. Based on the findings of the initial survey, additional strategies will be developed and deployed.

The citizens’ surveys will be administered each six months to assist the Town in evaluating the TOC-CAP’s services and to make adjustments as needed. The implementation of the Community Alliance Program will involve continuous planning and adjustments to ensure that it remains responsive to the needs of the citizens.

BUDGET SUMMARY: The Town of Centreville Community Alliance Program (TOC-CAP) is a community-driven effort that will be implemented at no cost to the Town.

CONCLUSION:

The Town of Centreville Community Alliance Program (TOC-CAP) was developed with the understanding that the Town must lead the way by building partnerships with citizens to develop and implement strategies tailored to the unique needs of the Town.

The TOC-CAP has the ability to dramatically impact the quality of life in the Town of Centreville. The TOC-CAP capability of rapid reassessment and its sensitivity to the community will serve to ensure the acceptance of the governing body as trusted partner in preserving the peace and a vital force in enhancing the quality of life in Centreville. The TOC-CAP also sends a clear and convincing message that the Town of Centreville Mississippi cares for its citizens.

EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR CERTAIN BUSINESS CLOSURES UNDER LOCAL EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020, the Governor of the State of Mississippi declared a State of Emergency to exist in the State of Mississippi with respect to the worldwide outbreak of the novel coronavirus, identified as COVID-19, and did thereafter also issue multiple Executive Orders; and

WHEREAS, on the March 17, 2020, in furtherance of the March 14, 2020, declaration of the Governor of the State of Mississippi and all Executive Orders issued by him subsequent thereto, I David C. Owens, Mayor of the Town of Centreville, Mississippi did declare and proclaim a local emergency to exist in the Town of Centreville, Mississippi, for the reasons set forth therein, which Proclamation contained a finding that the risk of spread of COVID-19 constituted a public and local emergency in the Town of Centreville, Mississippi, and accordingly that, subject to an order from the Governor, be implemented as necessary; and

WHEREAS, said conditions caused by the spread of COVID-19 are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the Town and may require the combined forces of other subdivisions of the State to combat; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to my March 17, 2020, Emergency Proclamation, all provisions provided by Miss. Coe. Ann. 33-15-1 the "Mississippi Emergency Management Law," became available to the Mayor and the Town to ensure the protection of the life, safety, and health of the residents of the Town of Centreville; and

WHEREAS, I did therein proclaim that during the local emergency, the governing body of the Town of Centerville, Mississippi may promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property, including orders and regulations imposing a curfew within the designated boundaries where necessary to preserve the public order and safety, which orders and regulations and amendments and rescissions thereof are be in writing and which shall be given widespread notice and publicity;

IT IS NOW THEREFORE ORDERED that the certain types of non-essential businesses should be and are hereby ordered to close and cease operations until April 30, 2020, and that other businesses should be encouraged to follow closely certain national health guidelines. Therefore, in order to preserve the public order and protect the life, safety, and health of the residents of the Town of Centreville, I hereby order that the following restrictions and recommendations on Centreville businesses be put in place beginning April 3, 2020, at 12:01 am and continuing through and until April 30, 2020, at 11:59 pm:

1. All hair salons should follow the recommendations of the MS State Board

of Cosmetology (www.msbec.ms.gov/response-to-covid-19/)

2. All restaurants may only provide take-out, pick-up, delivery, or drive-thru

and shall close all indoor and outdoor dine-in seating areas for the

public during the effective period of the Order.

3. All essential businesses, as defined by the Governor's March 24

Executive Order No. 1463 are encouraged to follow the national health

guidelines promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC")

This action is necessary under the ongoing local emergency for protection of the life, safety, and health of the residents of the Town of Centreville, and to preserve the public order. This Order shall be subject to any Executive Order issued by the Governor of Mississippi which remains in place and effective, is in accordance with the policies and plans set by the federal and state emergency management agencies, and shall be given widespread notice and publicity.

IT IS FINALLY ORDERED that this Proclamation of Civil Emergency is effective immediately and shall remain in effect through April 30, 2020, or until rescinded or superseded by another applicable Proclamation.

WITNESS MY HAND, on this 2nd day of April 2020.

DAVID C. OWENS, MAYOR

TOWN OF CENTREVILLE, MISSISSIPPI

ATTEST:

KIMBERLY MONTGOMERY

TOWN CLERK

Statement on Compliance with the Open Meeting Act during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

The Ethics Commission reminds members of all state and local public bodies to strictly follow all orders, directives, and recommendations from all federal, state and local authorities, the State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health officials during this public health crisis.

The Ethics Commission also encourages public bodies to comply with the Open Meetings Act as best they can under these extraordinary circumstances. Public bodies should take all measures within their means to ensure transparency in public affairs while doing everything possible to protect public health.

Such measures could include meetings by teleconference or video means, but the equipment used should be located in a public meeting place and should "allow all members of the public body and members of the public who attend the meeting to hear the deliberations of the public body." Section 25-41-5(2).

The Ethics Commission encourages public bodies to record the open portion of their meetings and to make those recordings available to the public. This practice complies with the spirit of the Open Meetings Act by ensuring the public has access to public meetings, even when the public is unable to attend. Additionally, the meeting agenda must be "made available to the public at the time of the meeting." Section 25-41-5(3).

The next Town of Centreville Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 6:00 PM. Information for ensuring that the public have access to the meeting will be issued late this week.

Nicole Turnbull

Deputy Town Clerk

MAYORAL PROCLAMATION OF EXECUTIVE ORDER PROHIBITING GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE, LIMITING THE GATHERING OF 10 OR FEWER, CLOSING BARS, AND LIMITING ACCESS TO RESTAURANTS IN THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Mayor of the Town of Centreville, Mississippi, pursuant to Section 45-17-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, has declared and issued a civil emergency proclamation in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19 spread): and

WHEREAS, the Mayor of the Town of Centreville, Mississippi, pursuant to Section 45-17-7, et seq., of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, has the authority to issue such other orders as are necessary for the protection of life and property and in the interest of public safety and welfare, after the proclamation of a civil emergency: and

WHEREAS, COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can result in severe illness or death, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2, which is a new strain of Coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person; and

WHEREAS, to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and flatten the growth curve of cases, authorities, all over the globe, are taking extraordinary measures to prohibit and limit nonessential close personal contact; and

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported that there were two hundred forty-nine (249) cases of COVID-19 in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi State Department of Health has advised the citizens of the State of Mississippi to practice social distancing measures and avoid large gatherings; and

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the President of the United States recommended avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Centreville, Mississippi does not have the luxury of a wait-and-see approach to the Coronavirus pandemic; and

WHEREAS, extraordinary measures related to the spread of the Coronavirus are necessary and expedient for the health, safety, welfare and good order to protect the public peace and preserve lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, David C. Owens, Mayor of the Town of Centreville, Mississippi, pursuant to the authority vested in me by Section 45-17-7. et seq., of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, and in the public interest and for the general welfare of the Town of Centreville, do hereby issue this Proclamation of Executive Order Prohibiting Gatherings of More Than 10 People and limiting Gatherings of 10 People or Fewer in the Town of Centreville.

It is Ordered that (1) all events of more than 10 people in the Town of Centreville are hereby prohibited, and (2) all events of 10 people or fewer in the Town of Centreville are limited, as provided herein.

a. An event is an organized, orchestrated or sponsored gathering that people are invited to attend or encouraged to attend through advertising. Further, an event is a gathering for business, social, or recreational activities including but not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers, large private parties, celebrations or banquets; artistic performances, and spiritual and faith-based gatherings.

b. Retail establishments such as grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and banks are not events. Medical facilities, office environments, factories, schools, universities, and Town-owned or leased buildings where essential functions and services are being carried out are not events.

c. Organizers of events of 10 people or fewer must ensure that;

Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions that are at increased risk of serious COVID-19 are encouraged not to attend.
Social distancing recommendations, as prescribed by the Mississippi State Department of Health, must be met.
Proper hand hygiene and sanitation must be readily available to all attendees and individuals involved.
Environmental cleaning guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are followed.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all restaurants located in the Town of Centreville, may only provide take-out, pick-up, delivery, or drive-through services as allowed by law. There shall be no in-house dining or available sitting areas for the public.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all bars, nightclubs, lounges, taverns, and private clubs located in the Town of Centreville shall close, except to the extent that such establishments may only provide take-out, pick-up, delivery, or drive-through services for food as allowed by law.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that only to the extent allowed by state and federal law and the United States Constitution, this Proclamation of Executive Order prohibiting and limiting events is applicable to spiritual and faith-based gatherings.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Proclamation shall be (1) promptly filed with the Town Clerk; (2) distributed to the news media, other organizations and posted in locations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; and (3) distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this Proclamation of Executive Order.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that violations of this Proclamation of Executive Order may be subject to misdemeanor prosecution pursuant to Section 45-17-9 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended and Town of Centreville Code of Ordinances.

IT IS FINALLY ORDERED that this proclamation of Executive Order is effective Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11;59 pm, and shall remain in effect through April 7, 2020, or until rescinded or superseded by another applicable Proclamation of Executive Order. A Proclamation of Executive Order rescinding the corresponding Proclamation of Civil Emergency will automatically rescind this Proclamation of Executive Order.

WITNESS MY HAND, this the 23rd-day of March 2020.

DAVID C. OWEN, MAYOR

TOWN OF CENTREVILLE, MISSISSIPPI

ATTEST:

KIMBERLY MONTGOMERY

TOWN CLERK

COVID-19/CORONAVIRUS

EMERGENCY UPDATE FOR THE

TOWN OF CENTREVILLE, MS

On January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency for COVID-19.

On March 11, 2020, the President of the United States limited extraordinary travel.

On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared that COVID-19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency beginning March 13, 2020.

On March 17, 2020, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported that there were 21 positive cases in the State of Mississippi.

On March 17, 2020, Mayor David Owens declared a civil emergency for the Town of Centreville. The civil emergency was effective immediately and shall remain in effect through April 7, 2020, or until suspended.

As of today, March 21, 2020, there are 140 confirmed cases in the State of Mississippi, 1 reported death and 1 confirmed case in Wilkinson County, MS.

As Emergency Manager for the Town of Centreville, we strongly encourage you to stay home during this time unless it is an emergency. We ask that all business owners adhere to the warnings that have been given by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

1. Clean your hands often.

2. Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

3. Keep 6 feet away from others when possible.

4. Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow.

5. Please avoid social gatherings or any gathering of more than 10 people.

At this crucial time, we encourage the people of the Town of Centreville to please stay home unless it an emergency.

Emergency Manager Town of Centreville

Felicia Williams

601-645-6714

Willnme32@yahoo.com