YP – Reeves releases guidelines for safe in person worship services
Consulting with Dr. Thomas Dobbs and our state health officials, Governor Reeves developed guidelines for worship leaders and their congregations to join together to practice their faiths while continuing to help protect public health and flatten the curve.
“I’ll just say this as a personal point. My family is likely going to continue worshiping from home for a while. The church is not a building. We can honor our Lord and keep our neighbors safe. You don’t need to rush back. We do want to provide a playbook for how to do it safely, when pastors determine the time is right,” said Governor Tate Reeves.
MSDH: Coronavirus cases at 11,704 with 554 deaths
Today MSDH is reporting 272 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, with 27 new deaths. The total of #coronavirus cases since March 11 is now 11,704, with 554 deaths. See more case details and important preventive steps at https://t.co/QP8mlJ41AN pic.twitter.com/ERwhbxOktb
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) May 19, 2020
Governor releases guidelines for church services
For our pastors and worship leaders, we have put out a playbook on how to safely hold in-person services when they determine the time is right.
You can view the full guidelines here➡️https://t.co/6ZFfeU7LRw pic.twitter.com/uqhFsWEkKe
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) May 20, 2020
YP – Casinos set to reopen before the weekend under health guidelines
The Mississippi Gaming Commission announced last week that casinos would be reopening under strict health guidelines on May 21 at 8:00 a.m.
“It’s really good news that we are allowed to reopen and we are very gracious for that we are going to do our very best to make our guests feel safe,” said Larry Gregory, Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association.
NATIONAL LAW JOURNAL – ABA Says Trump Pick Cory Wilson Is ‘Well Qualified’ for Fifth Circuit Seat
The American Bar Association’s committee on the federal judiciary said Monday that Cory Wilson is “well qualified” for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ahead of his expected hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee later this week.
Wilson was originally nominated by President Donald Trump for a judgeship in the Southern District of Mississippi and faced senators at a hearing for that seat in January. But he was elevated to consideration for the Fifth Circuit earlier this year after Trump’s original nominee for the seat, Judge Halil Suleyman “Sul” Ozerden fell flat with Republicans over questions on his religious liberty credentials.
WLOX – Jackson, Harrison counties top state in SNAP benefit requests
The number of people needing help from the Mississippi Department of Human Services has jumped drastically since the COVID-19 crisis started. MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson made a visit to the coast Tuesday to thank the workers who have processed thousands of new SNAP applications.
Jackson and Harrison counties are among the top three counties in the state with the highest number of food stamp applications. Since the pandemic began, Harrison County has averaged about 1,400 per week. That’s an increase of almost 75 percent.
YP – Guest: Treasury Department releases guidance on PPP loan forgiveness
Congressman @RepMichaelGuest: Treasury Department Releases Guidance on PPP Loan Forgiveness #ms03 READ MORE>>https://t.co/82Pnpeh2Hd
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) May 19, 2020
YP – Wicker, Hyde-Smith, & Palazzo Encourage Department of Agriculture to Support Mississippi Seafood Industry
U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., sent a letter this week to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting that he use his authority to purchase and distribute Mississippi seafood to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Recently enacted legislation, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, includes additional support for USDA programs that provide food to distressed communities.
“Seafood is an important component of America’s food supply chain and a major economic driver in coastal communities. This is certainly true of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, which is home to a thriving seafood industry that includes shrimpers, oyster farmers, commercial fishing operations, and seafood processors,” the legislators wrote.
Congressman Thompson calls President’s actions “incompetent response”
The CDC and other medical experts say that taking hydroxychloroquine should not be taken as a purported cure for COVID-19. President Trump's incompetent response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to fail and mislead the American people.
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) May 19, 2020
Wicker: Mississippi receiving $91 million to expand COVID-19 testing
Mississippi will be receiving $91M to expand #Covid_19 testing massively. This new funding from @HHSGov will enable more people to go back to work and resume their social lives safely. https://t.co/yzHIh4vUJq
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) May 19, 2020