Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

One of the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 may be that legislating human behavior is more than difficult. It is nearly impossible.

Despite executive orders from local mayors, state governors, and the President of the United States, not everyone is going to agree to abide by such orders — even if doing so puts themselves and others at risk.

Even the stories coming from area clinics and survivors of the virus have not been enough to convince some people to observe the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Data is not enough.

Thankfully, local leaders have decided to take a multi-pronged approach to the current crisis.

In addition to presenting the facts about COVID-19 — how the virus is spread, who is at risk and the measures that need to be taken — members of Mayor Darryl Grennell’s Coronavirus Taskforce have begun a yard sign campaign directed to the remaining holdouts in the community.

Approximately 1,175 signs have been made for citizens and businesses on both sides of the river. More than 100 signs were handed out on the first day of distribution at the Natchez Convention Center Tuesday.

Dotting yards across the city and county, the red, white and blue placards with the words “Stay Home” and “COVID-19 Kills!” demonstrate how residents are staying home to prevent the spreads of the virus.

Such a campaign appeals to the heart and not the mind.

Instead of offering threats, the signs provide an invitation to work together for the betterment of the entire community.

Seeing the number of people on both sides of the river who are cooperating will hopefully convince others to do the same.

We encourage all residents to show their support by putting a sign in their yard and then by staying home.