YP Daily Roundup 3/17/20

YP – Governor Tate Reeves Signs Executive Orders Furthering Mississippi’s COVID-19 Response

Governor Tate Reeves signed two executive orders to further the state’s response to COVID-19 and aid Mississippians being impacted…

…Executive Order No. 1459 (below) activates the Mississippi National Guard to support mobile testing units and support Mississippi State Department of Healthand Mississippi Emergency Management Agency at the testing locations. The Governor plans to implement the additional mobile testing sites throughout Mississippi in the coming days.

Governor Reeves also signed Executive Order No. 1458 (below) which allows state agencies to determine which state employees are essential and send everyone else home. The Governor encouraged other businesses in Mississippi to do the same with their employees.

MS Dept. of Health reports 12 cases of Coronavirus in state

Two new COVID-19 cases, in Pearl River and Monroe counties, have been identified by the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. Mississippi's total of #coronavirus cases now stands at 12. As always, our latest data and recommendations can be found at https://t.co/QP8mlJ41AN pic.twitter.com/2JekeCSUM8

— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) March 16, 2020

Gov. Reeves: Mississippi Casinos are closed

Gov. @tatereeves: Mississippi casinos will be closed until further notice at midnight tonight as we all work to prevent the spread of #COVID19.

— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) March 17, 2020

YP – Mississippi Secretary of State considering postponement of #MS02 runoff

In an email release on Monday, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said his agency is “considering all options” as it relates to the runoff election in the 2nd Congressional District.

“While the pending Republican runoff in the 2nd Congressional District is scheduled for March 31, 2020, our office is considering all options, including the possible postponement of the election,” Watson said.  “In conjunction with the Governor’s Office, MEMA, and MDHS, we continue to finalize our plans and will post timely updates on our website.  In the meantime, our office will continue to conduct the peoples’ business.”

YP – Sen. Hyde-Smith reviewing coronavirus package

@SenHydeSmith reviewing #Coronavirus package as House considers changeshttps://t.co/JQxNr8ZabU

— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) March 16, 2020

YP – Guest, Thompson support coronavirus measure in House

@RepMichaelGuest, @BennieGThompson vote for Families First #Coronavirus Response Act.https://t.co/xwjoJ0amrM

— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) March 16, 2020

YP – Legislative Democrats Call for Bipartisan Emergency Measures & Suspension of Legislative Session in Response to COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi

Legislative Democrats including the Mississippi House and Senate Democratic Caucuses along with the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus encourage the Governor, Speaker of the House and Lt. Governor to spend this week working with us on a host of bipartisan emergency measures that tackle two immediate concerns. First, the Legislature must ensure health care providers have all the resources they need during this crisis. Second, we must ensure that every Mississippian has the financial wherewithal needed to take the necessary steps to mitigate the spread of the virus.

After these measures are passed, the Legislature should immediately pause the 2020 Legislative Session. Our Legislature should demonstrate leadership in limiting community spread and social distancing. In addition, the Legislature should not conduct the public’s regular business in private.

YP – MS State Superintendent recommends suspending state, federal end of year testing

“This is an unprecedented time in our state and country, and the safety, health and well-being of students, school staff and communities are the MDE’s and the Mississippi State Board of Education’s (SBE) top priorities,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.

Dr. Wright has made a recommendation to the SBE that state and federal assessment and accountability requirements be suspended for the 2019-20 school year. The MDE will seek the maximum authority and waivers afforded by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and other federal agencies.

YP – AG Fitch warns of scams during coronavirus outbreak

Attorney General @LynnFitch warns of scams during coronavirus outbreak #msleg READ MORE>> https://t.co/7f1m1ZmNVn

— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) March 16, 2020

MS PERS suspends guest visits

Mississippi Public Employees Retirement System temporarily suspends guest visits READ MORE?? https://t.co/LOiLdrSe5J

— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) March 16, 2020

WJTV – MDWFP’s response to COVID-19

Changes will remain in effect until March 31, 2020.

• State and Regional Offices will be closed to the public.
• State Lakes will remain open for those that wish to go fishing; however, State Fishing Lake offices and bathhouses will be closed.
• State Parks’ bathhouses and primitive camping areas will be closed; however, RV camping will remain open.
• The Museum of Natural Science and the North Mississippi Visitor Education Center will be closed to the public.
• MDWFP Shooting Facilities, Turcotte, McHenry, and McIvor will remain open; however, tournaments and events are canceled.
• MDWFP Wildlife Management Areas will remain open.

WLOX – State Medical Licensure Board recommends telemedicine during coronavirus outbreak