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Mayor urges use of masks to reduce the spread of virus

Howard Thrower, III

As Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms are in court over the city mayor’s attempt to mandate the wearing of facial masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Cairo’s mayor is strongly urging local residents to wear masks and he is asking businesses to require masks of their employees and patrons.

Mayor Howard Thrower III, made his public plea Monday night near the end of the Cairo City Council meeting.
“Due to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases here, I would invite our local businesses to adopt a set of guidelines to protect the public and your employees. Business owners and managers, have your staff and employees tested. Our health department is very efficient with this process. Second, have employees wear masks and practice safe distance separation, use hand sanitizer and wash hands frequently. Third, require or encourage customers to do the same,” Mayor Thrower said.
He added, “Why? Many people are just refusing to take safety precautions. There are people who are carriers of this virus and do not know it and do not take it seriously. Our 7-day moving average is 12 cases with over 357 so far. Philippians 2:3 says, ‘Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.’ So, forget false pride or ego and let’s work together to beat this virus.”
According to Southwest Health District officials, positive cases of COVID-19 in Grady County increased by 52 over last week and hospitalizations jumped by nine patients since last Tuesday.
Mayor Thrower reminded citizens that use of masks is strongly encouraged when entering city buildings. He said he is hopeful that if the local business community will be as diligent, the community can reduce the spread of the virus. As local schools prepare to reopen on Sept. 8, officials say that school system personnel and students will be requested to wear facial coverings. A number of other procedures will also be enforced including limiting visitors in school buildings.
In other business Monday night, the council:
Recognized the service of Larry Brown on the City of Cairo Planning Commission. The late Brown was represented by his wife, Gloria Brown, who received a plaque from city manager Chris Addleton.
Approved a special event permit for the closing of 9th Street N.W. from 8th Avenue N.W. to 9th Avenue N.W. on Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. for the “Hot Bed” Community Reunion. Applicants are Fergus and Carolyn Robinson. According to Councilman Lannis Thornton, if the cases of COVID-19 remain high and growing, the event will not be held.

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