On Thursday, March 19, Governor Reeves announced that all public schools will be closed until April 17. Please be patient with our school districts as they adjust their calendars and processes to reflect this and as they communicate with parents. This will allow them some time to figure out the logistics so they can give the best answers to questions as they are asked.
This morning, Mayor Barker also addressed the community via video. Those highlights can be found below along with the video.
1. Forrest General is in critical need of blood supplies. You have three opportunities to donate:
- Friday, March 20, and
Saturday, March 21– Forrest General Hospital, in the Adeline parking lot adjacent to the hospital’s parking garage and water tower, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. - Monday, March 23, The Orthopedic Institute, 27 Southern Pointe Parkway, 7 a.m. until 12 p.m.
- Monday, March 23, Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, 2255 Broadway Drive, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
2. Many residents have asked how they can help run basic errands for the city’s most vulnerable populations. For those reasons, Mayor Barker is expanding #TheHattiesburgWay to encompass community needs and the volunteers who want to help. If a resident wants to volunteer, has a need or knows of a need – that information can be provided by filling out the form at hattiesburgms.com/coronavirus/needs. City administration will work on matching the requests and working with nonprofit partners to also help. Please be mindful that this is not an endorsement for citizens to get out and not do what is recommended (social distancing, self-quarantining and more importantly – staying home). But, it is an opportunity to serve where possible.
3. The city also encourages residents to keep supporting local businesses. Pick up a to-go order, buy a gift card or ask them directly how they can be helped the best. A full list of restaurant/bar service offerings can be found at hattiesburgms.com/coronavirus/biz.