Governor Tate Reeves today issued a shelter-in-place order for the state of Mississippi through an executive order, which he signed during the announcement. The following guidelines, included in the order, are to be followed in order to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Individuals are to stay at home except for the limited allowances in the executive order.
- When outside of their homes, people must follow social distancing guidelines by maintaining a 6-foot distance from others and avoid groups of 10 or more.
- Evictions are suspended, though people are still required to pay any rent or make any mortgage payments.
- All nonessential businesses are to stop all activities other than those necessary for minimum operations (e.g. payroll, health insurance, security), enabling employees to work from home.
- Social and other non-essential gatherings in groups of more than 10 people must be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Restaurants and bars may only remain open for drive-thru, curbside, and/or delivery service. Liquor stores will remain open, Reeves said.
- People may leave their homes only to perform essential activities, such as caring for someone in the vulnerable population, getting food or necessary supplies, and working for an essential business.
- Individual outdoor recreation is encouraged, but not group recreation or activities such as soccer or basketball games.
The order goes into effect at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, and will remain in place until 8 a.m. on Monday, April 20.
The Mississippi Economic Council and Mississippi Manufacturers Association have released a joint statement regarding Gov. Reeves' recent shelter-in-place order and in support of Mississippi's essential businesses.
“The Mississippi Economic Council and the Mississippi Manufacturers Association concur and appreciate Governor Tate Reeves’ decision today to issue a statewide shelter-in-place order. This measure will help protect the health and safety of our citizens, while at the same time recognizing the vital role essential businesses provide by assuring delivery of necessary services,” Scott Waller, President and CEO of MEC, and John McKay, President and CEO of MMA, said in a joint statement on Wednesday. “Our essential businesses will continue to provide important services, while implementing best practice guidance in health and safety to protect and inform their employees and customers throughout this dynamic situation. As new data becomes available, we will continue to provide resources in order for our businesses to operate safely and efficiently. We appreciate and salute front line healthcare providers. The business community will do our part in these difficult times.”