Category: News & Updates

Today’s update includes a recap of the COVID-19 testing center that was announced today, the go-cup ordinance that was passed for the entire city by the Hattiesburg City Council this afternoon, information about masks and hand sanitizer for businesses/organizations and a reminder about assistance applications. COVID-19 Testing To accelerate testing capacity and access for residents...

During Mayor Barker’s briefing today, he announced that restaurants can begin operating outdoor dining (only) on Thursday, May 14 at 8 a.m. This executive order will be signed and sent out by Wednesday. Today’s notice was to allow restaurants the time needed to prepare for opening. The order will include the following stipulations: Must limit...

Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker announced Saturday that barbershops, salons and gym facilities in the city limits will open following Governor Reeves Executive Order 1480, but with more stringent guidelines. “Two weeks ago, we announced that reopening the city would include a measured approach – one built on local data and one built...

Please see the following notes regarding Governor Reeves’ Executive Order 1478 in Hattiesburg. Parks: The sections of Governor Reeves’ Executive Order 1478 regarding state parks, municipal parks and outdoor recreational activities will stand without additional restrictions beginning May 7, at 8 a.m. Restaurants While Gov. Reeves’ order provides a baseline for restaurants to open indoor/outdoor...

Today’s update looks at time-sensitive information regarding economic impact payments from the IRS, how to properly wear a mask, a free community testing availability for South Hattiesburg and the Palmer’s Crossing Community and an update regarding Gov. Reeves’ Executive Order 1478. ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS The Internal Revenue Service is reminding all who receive Supplemental Security...

Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Monday, April 27, the City of Hattiesburg announced plans to move forward with a reduction in force process in response to projected shortfalls in sales tax revenues from COVID-19’s effect on the Hattiesburg economy. As of Friday, May 1, the city’s administration moved forward with a reduction in force that included...

Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Thursday, April 30, Mayor Toby Barker issued Executive Order 2020-5 to provide guidance to retail businesses regarding in-house capacity and masks. “As we begin taking steps to reopen parts of Hattiesburg’s economy, we do so with a dual focus of prioritizing public health while giving the private sector space to operate...

Today’s update looks at the 5-day average of new positive cases for the Hattiesburg-Metro area. The graph below depicting the 5-day average provides a glimpse at our local data for the Hattiesburg-Metro area, and also for what it means when you hear the words/phrases “peaked,” “flattening the curve,” or “slowing the spread.” Today’s Numbers: Forrest...

Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Due to projected shortfalls in sales tax revenues from COVID-19’s effect on the Hattiesburg economy, the City of Hattiesburg will experience a reduction in force beginning this week. The city’s general fund is heavily dependent on the tax dollars generated from retail sales, and March numbers indicate a downturn (approximately 15%) for...