This statement was released by City of Batesville Mayor Jerry Autrey and City Clerk Susan Berryhill at 5 p.m. Monday:

Community Update

March 16, 2020

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Batesville are addressing the threat of the Coronavirus based on the latest recommendations available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention {CDC} and the  Mississippi State Department of Health. The latest information from the Mississippi State Department of Health shows no cases of the virus in Panola County or any of its neighboring counties as of March 16.  In light of these recommendations, the Mayor and Board will be reviewing the City’s policies, procedures, and ordinances in order to determine what the City can do to help slow the spread of the virus and help protect the  health and safety our  Citizens  and others in our  community. We ask you to remain calm and to use common sense in carrying out your daily activities.  Both the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health recommend that  you take these measures in order to help slow the spread of the virus and  for your protection and the protection of your family, friends, and neighbors:  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places; avoid touching your face; try to maintain at least 6 feet distance between you and other people; stay at home if you are sick, and cover your mouth and nose  if you cough or sneeze.

There are other cautions and recommendations on the Websites of CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health:

https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,420.html

https://www.msema.org/news/coronavirus-covid-19-mississippi/  

In order for us to unite for the purpose of slowing the spread of the virus and for your own sake and for the sake of your family, friends, and neighbors, please look at these sites and follow the cautions and recommendations posted there.

The City and its officials and employees (who at the very least are your neighbors with your same concerns about this situation and their families) will be working with you to battle the spread of this virus.  This situation changes daily, if not hourly.  We will try to keep you as informed as we are by sharing with you additional relevant information as and when we receive it.

City of Batesville, Mississippi

Jerry Autrey, Mayor