Virus restrictions in Mexia extended to April 1
By Roxanne Thompson
Mexia Mayor Geary Smith extended on Tuesday the disaster declaration and virus restrictions for Mexia to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1.
The original disaster declaration and restrictions were passed unanimously by ordinance at City Council’s March 17 meeting, went into effect the next day at 8 a.m. and were to expire Wednesday, March 25.
Smith gave as his reasons for the extension of the restrictions the fact that the Council authorized him as mayor to extend the restrictions week by week; and that the original facts that gave rise to the disaster have not changed.
Smith’s emergency proclamation extending the restrictions was made Tuesday, March 24, and went into effect 8 a.m. on March 25.
A summary of the restrictions include:
• All public events sanctioned by the city are cancelled until the threat the virus poses has passed, as determined by the city manager, in consultation with the mayor.
• Residents are enjoined to refrain from gathering in groups of 50 or more (later decreased to 10 or more by proclamation of the Governor).
• All city facilities are closed to the public, including the temporary library, Civic Center, City Hall, City Warehouse and Hughes City Park.
• Municipal Court will suspend its proceedings. Fines and fees will continue to be collected at the drive-through window at 211 N. Sherman. Issuance of failure to appear notices will be suspended while the restrictions are in place.
• Access to the police and fire stations will be restricted.
• Religious services are not directed to be cancelled, but leaders of those organizations are strongly urged to consider the cancellation or reduction of services to reduce the spread of the virus.
The city manager, after consultation with the mayor, may implement a dusk-to-dawn curfew if such action is warranted.
The city manager is directed to keep the public informed by any means of communication available.
The restrictions and the full text of the original and new proclamations are available at cityofmexia.com.
