Winter weather hits Mississippi
MDOT crews around the state helped clear roads of ice, snow and stranded vehicles on Monday.
“Crews continue efforts to keep roads passable for emergency responders and essential workers. If you must drive, SLOW DOWN,” MDOT tweeted.
MDOT crews around the state helped clear roads of ice, snow and stranded vehicles.
Crews continue efforts to keep roads passable for emergency responders and essential workers. If you must drive, SLOW DOWN. pic.twitter.com/5G1RnM56SM
— MDOT (@MississippiDOT) February 15, 2021
YP – Mississippi State Department of Health Confirms First Case of COVID-19 Variant Strain
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirms the first case of a COVID-19 variant strain in a Mississippi resident.
A case of the B.1.1.7 UK variant strain of COVID-19 was confirmed during routine testing.
No international travel or spread to contacts is known to have occurred, but additional investigation is ongoing.
The B.1.1.7 variant strain has been identified in 40 U.S. states and is known to spread more easily and quickly than other strains. While suspected, currently there is no direct evidence that this strain causes a more severe infection or a higher risk of death.
MSDH daily COVID-19 reporting
Today MSDH is reporting 544 more cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, 2 deaths, and 113 ongoing outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The total of #covid19 cases for the year is now 287,980, with 6,464 deaths. Case details and prevention guidance at https://t.co/YCv9xPyJDk pic.twitter.com/vqqejVGOBa
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) February 15, 2021
COVID Vaccinations postponed due to weather
Due to hazardous weather conditions, all MSDH drive-through vaccination sites will be closed Tuesday with the exception of the Coast Coliseum site in Harrison County. Canceled appointments at all other sites will automatically be rescheduled for the same time on an alternate day. pic.twitter.com/tJSGvw7IXX
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) February 15, 2021
YP – Broadband grant program could keep expansion alive in Mississippi
Mississippi began expanding broadband two years ago, with a push coming in 2020 due to increased federal support from CARES Act dollars. This year, the state House and Senate are hoping to continue that emphasis with several bills.
Representative Scott Bounds (R) explained his bill, HB 505, which would create the Broadband Accessibility Act and promote grant funding between state and private entities to continue expanding accessibility throughout Mississippi.
MS Senate passes SB 2588 aimed at cleaning voter rolls
The motion to table the motion to reconsider was passed #msleg
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) February 15, 2021
YP – State parks could see improvements with recent legislation
This year, lawmakers are taking on one area of the state that is often neglected, Mississippi’s state parks.
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann has made the improvement of the state’s parks and wildlife areas a priority of his for the 2021 Legislative session. He estimated that restoring these areas will be a roughly $147 million investment.
“That’s a staggering cost which means we’ve probably been ignoring them for some period of time to get them like that,” said Hosemann. He said this is an issue of importance in ensuring that those areas are exceptional for future enjoyment by Mississippi families.
MS Democratic Party calls on “Trump loyalists” to support Biden plan
The Mississippi Democratic Party call on Trump loyalists @SenatorWicker and @SenHydeSmith, along with @RepTrentKelly, @RepMichaelGuest and @CongPalazzo to support the American Rescue plan put forth by President Biden. pic.twitter.com/OuBNf8LpiW
— MS Democratic Party (@msdemocrats) February 15, 2021
