Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba set to rest any doubt that Jackson remains under a mask mandate (it does), despite Governor Tate Reeves allowing the state mask mandate to expire last week.

“From a legislated position, the Governor sets the floor,” Lumumba said during a weekly press briefing reiterating orders set forth in August. “We can move beyond that and choose to have restrictions we feel are in the best interest of residents.”

Lumumba said case numbers have not diminished to such an extent that the city becomes lax on its efforts to keep the health of its population safe. Adding to the challenge is the onset of flu season and mass gathering events like the Mississippi State Fair, beginning Wednesday (which, on state property, will not require masks).

“These leave us in a vulnerable state and condition, so we ask people to continue to be vigilant and take extra precaution so we don’t see an unnecessary rise in cases,” he added, “Stay vigilant.”