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COVID-19 is now confirmed in six people in Mississippi.

COVID-19’s arrival in Mississippi was inevitable as the pandemic spreads throughout the United States.

Thankfully, Natchez has a COVID-19 Task Force made up of representatives from businesses, industries, tourism organizations, educational facilities and the medical establishment to make recommendations on efforts to keep the spread in check.

So far, their efforts have recommended limiting visitations to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

They also are advising schools and entertainment venues such as theaters on best practices to limit the spread of the virus.

So far, a play has been canceled at Natchez Little Theatre, a photo gallery has been closed at First Presbyterian Church and some schools have extended spring break to limit exposure.

Also the pandemic has hurt some tourism efforts including a few groups canceling conferences at the Natchez Convention Center and a few tour groups canceling visits to the area.

Fighting the spread of COVID-19, however, comes down to each individual.

We must all make the effort to limit our exposure to the disease by washing our hands frequently and restraining from physical social contact such as shaking hands and hugging and by keeping a minimum of six feet away from others when we are in groups.

We also must make decisions about where we go and whether we put ourselves in large groups of people.

Follow the Centers for Disease and Prevention and the Mississippi Department of Health guidelines to help limit your own exposure.

By each of us following those procedures, hopefully we can keep the potential spread of the disease to a minimum.