The City of Hattiesburg extends its deepest thoughts and prayers to all who were affected by yesterday’s storms. We know the pain and sorrow that comes from a tornado leaving mass destruction in its path, but we also know the good that tends to rise in challenging times. We standby to assist however we can in the coming days and months.
Today’s update includes Mayor Barker’s briefing which provides updated numbers as of April 13, 2020, a reminder about masks, notes for city operations within the Sanitation and Solid Waste Division of Public Works and collaborative efforts of giving back with Forrest General Hospital.
Mayor Barker’s Briefing:
Today’s numbers for the Greater Hattiesburg health care system (FGH, Hattiesburg Clinic, Merit Health Wesley and SEMRHI):
Total tests: 3,158
Positive tests: 318
Negative tests: 2,467
Pending: 373
Positive Tests:
Forrest County: 105
Lamar County: 38
Hospitalized patients – confirmed COVID positive: 26
Hospitalized patients – under investigation for COVID: 8
ICU patients – confirmed COVID positive: 14
ICU patients – under investigation for COVID: 0
Context: Today’s numbers are a reflection of the internal testing capacities that were implemented for facilities this past week. Being able to turn tests around faster has allowed for the pending case numbers to drop drastically.
Masks
Thanks to the many businesses and residents who complied over the weekend regarding our Executive Order for businesses – nonessential maintaining minimum operations and essential – and the recommendation for the general public to wear a mask.
Remember – a mask can be anything that covers your nose and mouth while still allowing you to comfortably breathe (bandana, scarf, homemade, n95 or surgical).
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Services
City services provided may look different while navigating this pandemic, particularly for the sanitation and solid waste division. Currently, there are 8 drivers and crew workers on paid administrative leave because of risk factors of either age or documented health condition.
Our directors have been creative in working across departments to make sure that basic garbage, trash, recycling and debris pickup can still occur; however, delays may occur.
If your can is missed, please reach out to us:
- Action line: 601-545-4500
- Mayor’s Office 601-545-4501 or mayor@hattiesburgms.com
- Facebook.com/CityofHattiesburg
- Facebook.com/TobyBarkerMS
#HBURGWearsRed
In the spirit of unity, determination, hope and faith through the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Hattiesburg is collaborating with Forrest General Hospital to display the color red on homes, mailboxes, trees or on your person. You can join the movement by grabbing your leftover Christmas ribbons and bows – or a simple red shirt. On Wednesday, April 15, 2020, we encourage all to share their displays of red – by helping us paint the city virtually. Share how you, your family or loved ones are displaying red by tagging all social posts with #HBURGWearsRed.
Saluting Sheroes & Heroes
In addition to showcasing your red, the City of Hattiesburg is teaming up with Forrest General Hospital and JMH Graphics to create a shirt in honor of our men and women on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One hundred percent of proceeds from shirt sales will be used to purchase gift cards from local restaurants. Once the sale is complete, drawings will be conducted to give gift cards to Forrest General employees and first responders.
The Comfort Colors shirt, which is $20, is available in grey, blue, green, and red at www.forresthealth.org/hero. Sizes 2XL/3XL are $22. The deadline for online purchases is April 23. Shirts will be available for curbside pickup at JMH Graphics, 223 South 40th Ave., Hattiesburg.