City of Ripley issues mask ordinace as they see increase in number of local cases

July 8, 2020 Jon Ross Myers

The City of Ripley issued the following mask ordinance as relates to the wearing of face masks in buildings and businesses inside the City Limes of Ripley:

LOCAL EXECUTIVE ORDER
The White House and CDC guidelines state the criteria for reopening up America should be based on data- driven conditions within each region or state before proceeding to the next phased opening. Data should be based on symptoms, cases, and hospitals. Based on cases alone, there must be a downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period or a downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period. There has been no such downward trajectory in the documented cases in Tippah County since May 18, 2020.

The City of Ripley is experiencing an increase in the number of cases of COVID-19. This is not in conformity with the guidelines provided of a downward trajectory of positive tests.
Governor Tate Reeves in his Executive Order No. 1492(I)(i)(I) authorizes the City of Ripley to implement more restrictive measures than currently in place for other Mississippians to facilitate preventative measures against COVID-19 thereby creating the downward trajectory necessary for reopening.

In an effort to support the local health systems in their response to COVID-19 and to strive to keep the City of Ripley’s economy remaining open for business, effective at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2020, all persons who are present within the jurisdiction of the City of Ripley shall wear a clean face covering any time they are, or will be, in contact with other people in indoor public or business spaces where it is not possible to maintain social distance. While wearing the face covering, it is essential to still maintain social distance being the best defense against the spread of COVID-19. The intent of this executive order is to encourage voluntary compliance with the requirements established herein by the businesses and persons within the jurisdiction of the City of Ripley.
It is recommended that all indoor public or business spaces require persons to wear a face covering for entry. Upon entry, social distancing and activities shall follow guidelines of the City of Ripley and the Governor’s executive orders pertaining to particular businesses and business activity.
Persons shall properly wear face coverings ensuring the face covering covers the mouth and nose.

(1) Signage should be posted by entrances to businesses stating the face covering requirement for entry.

(2) A patron located inside an indoor public or business space without a face covering may be asked to leave by the business owners if the patron is unwilling to come into compliance with wearing a face covering.

(3) Face coverings are not requiredfor:
(a) People whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering.
(b) Those who cannot wear a face covering due to a medical or behavioral
condition.
(c) Restaurant patrons while dining.
(d) Private, individual offices or businesses with fewer than ten (10)
employees.
(e) Other settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering,
including when obtaining or rendering goods or services, such as receipt of medical or dental services.
(f) Banks or spaces with physical barrier partitions which prohibit contact between the customer(s) and employee.
(g) Small offices where the public does not interact with the employer.
(h) Children under twelve (12).
(i) That upon the formulation of an articulable safety plan which meets the goals of this Executive Order, businesses may seek an exemption at Ripley City Hall located at 500 South Main Street, Ripley, Mississippi 38663.

FACE COVERINGS DO NOT HAVE TO BE MEDICAL MASKS OR N95 MASKS. A BANDANA, SCARF, T-SHIRT, HOME-MADE MASKS, ETC. MAY BE USED. THEY MUST PROPERLY COVER BOTH A PERSON’S MOUTH AND NOSE.

Those businesses that are subject to regulatory oversight of a separate state or federal agency shall follow the guidelines of said agency or regulating body if there is a conflict with this Executive Order.
Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. §33-15-17(d)(1972 as amended), this Local Executive Order shall remain in full effect under these terms until reviewed, approved or disapproved at the first regular meeting following such Local Executive Order or at a special meeting legally called for such a review.

The City of Ripley reserves its authority to respond to local conditions as necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens.