Friends, over the past few weeks and most certainly the days to come, Brookhaven and its people have struggled against the dangerous threat posed by the COVID-19 virus. While the numbers of those infected have increased, our community is making every effort to combat this virus.

I want to take this opportunity to advise the people of Brookhaven of the restrictions mandated by Gov. Tate Reeves’ Executive Orders No. 1463 and No. 1466 that are now in place and must be enforced by the City of Brookhaven.

1. All restaurants may remain open to serve customers through drive-up windows or outside pick-up. Indoor dining in restaurants is specifically prohibited in the governor’s orders.

2. Fitness and exercise gyms, dance studios, clubs, tattoo parlors, spas, hair salons, barber shops, fingernail salons are classified as “non-essential” and must remain closed until Gov. Reeves’ Executive Orders are lifted.

3. All public or private social and other “non-essential” gatherings of more than 10 people in a single space at the same time — where individuals are in close proximity (less than 6 feet) to each other — shall be canceled or rescheduled.

4. All “essential businesses” providing essential services as defined in the Executive Orders may remain open for business and are not restricted to the 10-person limit. However, these businesses shall enforce “social distancing” within their facilities by encouraging customers and employees to remain a safe distance from other customers and employees on the premises. “Essential Businesses” shall also monitor their employees’ health and send sick employees home while actively encouraging sick employees to stay home.

5. All City Parks and Walking Trails shall remain closed until the Executive Orders are lifted.

6. All activities, programs and team sports of the Brookhaven Recreation Department are suspended until the Executive Orders are lifted.

7. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen encourage the citizens of Brookhaven and Lincoln County to continue to practice “social distancing” in their daily activities and wear a mask when they are out in the public. The City of Brookhaven will make copies of the Executive Orders available to anyone who requests a copy of the Orders for their own review. Copies are available in the City Clerk’s office.

Executive Orders No 1463 and No. 1466 will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2020, when Gov. Reeves will either rescind, modify or extend the Executive Orders for an additional period of time. These conditions have been put in place to protect the citizens of Mississippi from infection by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

I and the members of the Brookhaven Board of Aldermen understand the difficulty that the citizens of Brookhaven and Lincoln County have experienced from this virus. We are also aware of the personal sacrifices our citizens have endured over the past few weeks.

In spite of these difficulties, I ask the people of Lincoln County to voluntarily follow the requirements of Gov. Reeves’ Executive Orders. They have been put in place to protect us. Your cooperation — and most importantly your prayers — are needed in the fight against this threat to the health and well-being of our community.

Thank you.

Joe Cox

Mayor of City of Brookhaven, Mississippi