Governor Tate Reeves announced on Friday April 24 that he signed the new “Safer at Home” executive order replacing the previous shelter in place order. The order will relax restrictions on certain businesses such as retail stores allowing the economy to begin to recover. The order will be in place until May 11 at 8:00 a.m.
Reeves explained that the “Safer at Home” order will continue to urge citizens to stay home except for essential travel. It also defines who is the most vulnerable such as the elderly and citizens with underlying health problems and advises them to continue to shelter in place. There is still a ban on all social and nonessential gatherings of 10 or more people.
Reeves stated the number of new cases in MS is growing slower than anticipated even after an increase in testing. However it may take several weeks before the state experience two consecutive weeks of a decrease in new cases. He also acknowledged the historic economic crisis that the country is facing, and said small business owners and workers have borne the brunt of the burden. He announced that over 150,000 Mississippians have filed for unemployment within the last week.
These factors led to his decision to take measured steps in reopening the economy, and allowing most closed businesses to reopen under certain health mandates. All businesses will have to continue to follow CDC and the MS Health Department guidelines. Retail stores will be allowed to operate at half capacity to allow social distancing. Reeves gave an example of a store with a capacity of 100 customers must take measures to only allow 50 people within the store at one time. Reeves said businesses categorized for amusement and entertainment such as theaters, bowling alleys, and skating rinks will remain closed at this time. Also business that requires personal contact such as spas, salons, and gyms will remain closed. Restaurants will continue to operate via drive through and carry out.
Reeves said, “We cannot let our guard down. We cannot pretend this is over. The fight must go on.”
