Tuesday, the city of Port Gibson joined the growing list of municipalities in the state to enact strong restrictions on business operations and a curfew in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In a measure signed by Mayor Willie White, the executive order outlining the restrictions and curfew began Tuesday at 5 p.m. and “shall remain in effect through March 31.”

The order outlines the following restrictions:

• Prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people and establishes a city-wide mandatory curfew between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. No person shall be present on the city streets or in a public place during the prohibited hours unless an emergency exists or said person is going to work or leaving work.

• Organizers of events of 10 people or less must ensure that older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions or that those who are at increased risk of serious negative health consequences due to exposure to COVID-19 are encouraged not to attend; that proper social distancing recommendations, as prescribed by the Mississippi State Department of Health are followed; and, that proper hand hygiene and sanitation must be readily available to all attendees and individuals involved.

• The 10 person entering limit does not apply to grocery stores, gas stations, banks, hospitals, offices and city-owned buildings where essential services are being performed.

• All restaurants located in the city with or without drive-in or drive-through services 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 seating areas for the public.

• That all bars, nightclubs and lounges located in the city shall close, except establishments that provide food take-out, pick-up or delivery services.

• All funeral services be held at the graveside, but in the case of inclement weather, funeral services may be held at the funeral home. All funeral services shall be limited to a maximum attendance of 25 mourners.

• Violations of these orders may be subject to a misdemeanor charge.