Today’s update looks at the extended shelter-in-place order by Governor Tate Reeves, Mayor Barker’s daily briefing and mask distribution information.

Shelter-in-Place Order

Governor Tate Reeves extended the shelter-in-place order through Monday, April 27, 2020.
Three changes came with that update. Here is what you need to know:

• Extension by 7 days (although it can be rescinded, modified or extended by Governor Reeves)
• Public bodies of water (lakes, reservoirs, beaches) are now open for boating and fishing activities. However, social distancing measures and the gatherings rules (fewer than 10 at all times) still apply. All other group recreation venues, entertainment venues and parks (aside from walking trails) remain closed.
• Non-essential retail businesses can operate by curbside, drive-thru or delivery only beginning Monday, April 20 at 8 a.m. Should businesses choose to open, they will still need to comply with Mayor Barker’s Executive Order 2020-4 which provides that all employees who work with the public or with multiple employees in the same space must wear a mask. According to the governor’s order, barbershops, salons, tattoo shops, nail salons, massage businesses, fitness centers/studios and gyms remain closed. This information can be found in his Executive Order 1473 and is dependent on prior orders (all linked above).

Mayor Barker’s Daily Briefing

Mayor Barker also delivered his daily briefing regarding today’s numbers. The full briefing can be seen below – but highlights are identified below the video.

High notes include:

• The Hattiesburg-Metro area positive case numbers continue to climb.
• Regardless of national or statewide narratives, COVID-19 doesn’t target one demographic or age group over another. It can have an adverse effect on anyone. Please continue to adhere to the guidelines set forth so that we can flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
• Today’s courage spotlight includes The USM Foundation’s latest campaign – the Eagle Relief Effort. This fundraising campaign will help all in The University of Southern Mississippi community who face financial hardships due to both COVID-19 and the Easter tornadoes. To donate, visit http://eaglefever.usm.edu. You will have many opportunities to give back to your community throughout our recovery of COVID-19, this is simply one more way to do just that.

Mask Distribution

Masks have been delivered/picked-up for almost all retailers who have kindly partnered with us to help us get masks in as many Pine Belt hands as possible.

Some stores have already started distributing them this evening (Friday). Some will begin tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Hours of operation are dependent on the retailer, and the masks are first-come-first-served.

For a full list of retailers, visit hattiesburgms.com/coronavirus/masks.

Should you not be able to locate a mask this weekend, reach out to us here through the inbox, at mayor@hattiesburgms.com or call 601-545-4501 during business hours. We’ll do what we can to help you out.