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Organizers of tonight’s 9 p.m. annual Fourth of July fireworks show over the Mississippi River are reminding people who watch the show in public spaces on the Natchez and Adams County side of the river to wear face masks in public settings where social distancing is not possible.

“By order of the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of The City of Natchez & the by The Board of Supervisors for Adams County: Facemasks are REQUIRED in The City of Natchez & Adams County,” organizers posted on the Fireworks over the Mighty Mississippi Facebook page. “If you are preparing to enjoy the Fireworks Display in Natchez, please adhere to the order and wear a mask.”

On Friday, the Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen and the Adams County Board of Supervisors held a joint meeting and both boards unanimously adopted resolutions requiring people to wear face masks in public settings, indoors and outdoors where social distancing is not possible, effective upon passage and lasting through July 31.

Vidalia Beautification Committee member and a fireworks show organizer Sabrina Doré was on the conference call during Friday’s meeting and after the resolutions were passed asked if the orders applied to the fireworks show.

“It is in effect, so you need to get the word out,” Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell said.

Indeed, the resolution passed by the City of Natchez requires face mask wearing in public spaces indoors and outdoors when social distancing of 6 feet or more is not possible.

The pertinent part of the resolution states:

Any individual who is over age four and able to medically tolerate a face covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain at least six feet of social distancing. Face coverings are required in public indoor spaces such as stores and public outdoor spaces.

A face covering shall be considered a device to cover the nose and mouth of a person to impede the spread of saliva or other fluids during speaking, coughing, sneezing or other intentional or involuntary action. Medical grade masks are not required; coverings may be fashioned from scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs, or other suitable fabrics.

Face coverings do not need to be worn in the following cir cumstances:

When exercising outside or engaging in physical activity outside;

When driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver;

When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk such as anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.

City of Natchez resolution can be viewed here; and Adams County’s resolution can be viewed here.

Fireworks show

The annual fireworks show is scheduled to take place at 9 p.m. Saturday and will be visible from both sides of the river. This year’s fireworks show will not include the Fourth of July festival that has taken place on the Vidalia riverfront in recent years, organizers said due to the COVID-19 pandemic.