Chamber banquet cancelled for 2nd year due to pandemic concerns

For the second year, the Walthall Chamber of Commerce banquet has fallen victim to the pandemic.
Chamber president Chris Blackwell announced Monday that because of the recent upticks in COVID-19 numbers and the new Omicron variant the banquet will not be held Jan. 29 as earlier scheduled.
“As a member of the medical community I feel it important that I consider the safety of our community and the safety of our scheduled speaker, U.S. Rep Michael Guest, in what would be a large gathering of people and the potential of spreading COVID-19,” Blackwell, a certified nurse practitioner and owner of Blackwell Family Medicine, said.
“Coronavirus cases are growing exponentially and the infusion treatments are currently unavailable from Centerville to Hattiesburg,” Blackwell said. “In addition to the upsurge in coronavirus cases, the seasonal flu is becoming rampant, as well.”
Blackwell joined with the medical community in urging countians–whether vaccinated or not–to resume masking and social distancing while the current round of COVID is underway.
COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are available at no cost from county health departments, local pharmacies and healthcare providers across the state, but residents are reminded to call in advance to be sure of times and availability.