Plan to restart Columbus

This week the Mayor’s office is forming the “Restart Columbus Committee” to begin work on a three-step long-term plan to bring our city to a “new normal” with the challenge of the Covid-19 virus. Business leaders and others from Columbus will be part of this effort, along with representatives from Columbus Air Force Base and Mississippi University for Women.

A steering committee will work with six specialized subcommittees. These subcommittees will bring specific recommendations for their assigned area. The goal is to prepare a roadmap for resuming life safely in Columbus.

The roadmap will include specific details that will ensure the safety of employees and the public. The committees will recommend steps that follow orders and guidelines from Governor Tate Reeves’ office and the Mississippi Department of Health.

The six subcommittees are:

1. Restaurant/hotel/hospitality

2. Barber/nail/tattoo salons

3. Churches/funeral homes

4. Retail stores

5. Daycare/childcare facilities

6. Parks/recreation facilities

Health, safety, and welfare are the most important responsibility of the government. This work will help prepare Columbus for getting life back to normal while practicing safety.

Mayor Robert Smith, Sr.

Columbus

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.