COVID-19 Tips, Resources and Relief Efforts (7/23/2020)

 

COVID-19 Tips, Resources and Relief Efforts

Thursday, July 23, 2020

 COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi

As of Thursday, July 23, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported 982 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the
total number of COVID-19 cases in our state to 48,053 and the total number of deaths to 1,436. According to data
from the Center for for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mississippi has the 14th highest COVID-19 death rate (per 100,000 people).

State health officials say the coronavirus crisis is worsening and the outlook for hospitals is grim. Currently, there is still no cure, and preventing
the spread is much more effective than supportive care. Please continue to wear a mask, social distance and use good judgement while out in public.
Together, we can flatten the curve and help save lives.

Click here for COVID-19 guidance and prevention tips.

Click here to view a map of COVID-19 cases.

Extended Safe Return Order

Governor Reeves extended his Safe Return and county-specific executive orders (E.O. 1508 and E.O. 1509), adding ten counties under the tighter social distancing
measures to help slow the spread of coronavirus and protect public health.

Ten additional counties were identified as localized regions with spikes in cases and at higher risk for transmission: Bolivar, Covington, Forrest, Humphreys,
Panola, Sharkey, Simpson, Tallahatchie, Tate, and Walthall Counties. They join 13 other counties that have been under the additional restrictions for the past week.

Executive Orders 1508 and 1509 will remain in effect until Monday, August 3, at 8:00 AM.

Click here to view Executive Order 1508

Click here to view Executive Order 1509

Legislature Limits Civil Liability Related to COVID-19

According to the Lt. Governor’s Office, healthcare facilities which followed applicable public health guidance in good faith in treating patients are now
immune from civil liability for COVID-19-related lawsuits, under recently enacted legislation.

Senate Bill 3049, authored by former Senator Sally Doty, also extends protection to first responders, schools or other educational entities, non-profit
organizations, and businesses. Businesses which manufactured personal protective equipment in response to the virus are also covered.

The legislation includes a two-year statute of limitations for any legitimate claim, and backdates to March 14, 2020—the date the Governor’s original
emergency declaration was issued. The provisions do not apply where there is clear and convincing evidence of actual malice or intentional behavior.

Click here to view the legislation.

 

Executive Orders

Executive Order 1509 Executive Order 1509 issues additional social distancing guidelines for Bolivar, Covington, Forrest, Humphreys, Panola, Sharkey, Simpson, Tallahatchie,
Tate, and Walthall Counties until 8 a.m. on Monday August 3, 2020
Executive Order 1508 Executive Order 1508 extends the social distancing guidelines and restrictions under the Safe Return order until 8 a.m. on Monday, August 3,
2020.
Executive Order 1507 Executive Order 1507 issues additional social distancing guidelines for Claiborne, Desoto, Grenada, Harrison, Hinds, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison,
Quitman, Rankin, Sunflower, Washington, and Wayne Counties until 8 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020.
Executive Order 1506 Executive Order 1506 directs the State Fiscal Officer to take all actions necessary to permit the MS Department of Marine Resources to resume
normal operations

Click here to view all Executive Orders.

Emergency Contact Information

Office of the Governor of Mississippi

Tate Reeves
(601) 359-3150

governor@govreeves.ms.gov

Mississippi State Department of Health

(877) 978-6453
Mississippi Emergency

Management Agency

(601) 933-6362

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(800) 232-4636
Mississippi Department of Employment Security (601) 855-3133 1-888-844-3577 (toll-free) 1-888-772-0061 (toll-free)