The Lamar County Board of Supervisors approved an emergency order Thursday, following the direction of Gov. Tate Reeves and President Donald Trump, to protect the safety of citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, County Administrator Joseph “Jody” Waits said Friday.

Waits said the order took effect at the same time at Reeves’ order – 5 p.m. Friday. The Lamar County order deals specifically with county offices and buildings.

“We’re asking all citizens to take this seriously and abide by the order,” Waits said. “Doing so will help save lives.”

The local order will remain in effect until 8 a.m., April 20, unless rescinded, modified or extended. All citizens must comply with all of Reeves’ executive orders, particularly prohibiting social gatherings or crowds with 10 or more people.

Any person violating any provision of local or state orders will be subject to fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment of not more than six months or both.

Lamar County elected officials and department heads will continue to operate their departments and offices at a reduced schedule with reduced personnel at the discretion of the elected officials and department heads.

Only one entrance will be available to the following buildings for all personnel including the public and building staff:

  • Lamar County Circuit Courthouse – entrance shall be the back door.
  • William J. “Pete” Gamble III Chancery Courthouse – entrance shall be the front door. The record room in the Chancery Clerk's office will be closed to the public from 8-10 a.m.
  • Lamar County Justice Court Building – entrance shall be the front door.
  • Lamar County Administration Building – entrance shall be the front door.

The courts of Lamar County must and shall remain open. White Goods dropoff (normally done on Saturday) shall be suspended until further notice.

Optimist Park, located in Oak Grove, including the walking track, shall be closed until further notice. Wood Hinton Park located in Lumberton shall be closed. The playground equipment will be roped off; however, the walking track shall remain open.

Pop-Up restaurants/vendors shall utilize social distancing and limit the number of people in line for drive-up and curbside take out, according to the CDC guidelines and directions.

All Lamar County community centers shall remain closed until April 19.

Any Lamar County employee may self-identify with the human resources manager if the employee is at least 60 years old or has a chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease. That employee may be eligible for administrative leave.