A mandatory mask order for Vicksburg residents has been extended through Oct. 4.

Mayor George Flaggs Jr. announced he was extending the order Thursday morning. The previous order issued on Aug. 11 required city residents to wear masks inside stores and other businesses if they were unable to practice social distancing. The order, which was similar to an order issued on Aug. 4, that imposed a 14-day mask mandate for city employees, was supposed to have expired Thursday.

“I just think it is necessary for us to continue to mask even with the numbers in decline, Flaggs said. “After talking with Dr. (Jeff) Holland, we’ll be consistent with the county.”

The order also encouraged funeral homes to hold graveside services only and said funeral services will only be held in the Vicksburg Auditorium at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but no repasts can be held or meals can be served on-site. The city will charge one-half the regular auditorium fee for funerals.

“I thought funeral costs are becoming a hardship for some of the families affected by COVID,” he said. “I thought it makes sense to include everybody who wants to have a funeral.”

Flaggs said he did not support holding repasts, or meals, at the auditorium after funerals “because it’s just extending the time for people to congregate.” He said holding the funerals at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will allow the auditorium to have more funerals and give the auditorium staff more time to sanitize the building between funerals.

According to the order, those found in violation will receive a warning on the first offense and a $100 fine for a second offense. Subsequent violations will draw a $300 fine for each violation.