Starkville city leaders pass ordinance changing way restaurants serve food, limit on social gatherings

March 20, 2020

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville city leaders made some changes in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

In a special called meeting on Friday, aldermen passed an ordinance and resolution that changes the way restaurants serve food and puts a limit on social gatherings.

Restaurants are now takeout only, and no more than 10 people are allowed to gather together at the same time.

This includes places such as churches, hair salons, and gyms.

If someone is caught violating the ordinance, Mayor Lynn Spruill said they’ll be fined $1,000 per day.

“As it stands right now we are not shutting offices, we’re not shutting down businesses,” said Mayor Spruill. “We’re saying consider the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) rule and use that as a guideline for those social type gathering locations.”

Spruill said places such as grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and hospitals are excluded from the ordinance.

The new changes will take effect immediately.