Last Friday Governor Tate Reeves extended the Safer at Home Order until June 1. Reeves said, “My hope and my expectation is by June 1 we will be able to allow that to expire. However, there will still be guidelines in place for businesses, but we will be out of the business of closing down anybody, I hope.”
During his daily press conference, Reeves announced that Mississippi has seen a relatively flat curve for the past 45 days in terms of new cases of COVID-19. During that time he has consistently taken steps to slowly open more businesses and industries as the economy continues to recover.
Very few industries are still closed at this time. The entertainment industry continues to be severely impacted by the statewide executive orders calling for social distancing. Reeves took steps Friday to help outdoor entertainment establishments recover. As of Monday, May 25, outdoor places of entertainment which includes playgrounds, racetracks, and water parks, will be allowed to reopen under strict health and safety guidelines.
Reeves announced another amendment to allow outdoor sports practices to resume. Also schools will be allowed to open gyms and weight rooms under the same guidelines of the privates sector which were detailed in Executive Order 1480.
Reeves said, “We are taking this issue very seriously, and I hope the people of this great state will continue to take this seriously as well. The threat is not gone, we must stay vigilant.”
Guidelines for reopening outdoor recreational facilities are as follows:
Before they can reopen, the entire outdoor park must be deep-cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized top to bottom, including areas not open to the public.
All outdoor parks are expected to take every step necessary to implement the regulations, orders, and guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Waiting areas and lines must mark spots at least 6 feet apart to ensure social distancing. Employees must be stationed there to make sure social distancing is followed.
No more than 50% of the outdoor park's capacity.
Outdoor parks must post signage at each entrance stating no customer with a fever or COVID-19 symptoms are allowed in.
Equipment must be rearranged and/or deactivated to ensure at least 6 feet between customers.
All high-touch areas must be sanitized at least once every two hours.
Hand sanitizer must be placed at all entrances.
Food services are allowed, following restaurant guidelines under Executive Order No. 1478.
All employees will be screened daily at the beginning of their shifts, including asking whether they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have they had a fever in the last 48 hours.
All employees must be provided training on how to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Face coverings must be provided to all employees. Employees are required to wear that face covering throughout their shift and clean or replace daily.
Customers must be screened upon entry into the outdoor park.
Customers must sanitize their hands upon entry and when moving between rides or equipment.
