COVID-19 Tips from Michael Watson

COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi

As of Thursday, September 10, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported 517 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in our state to 88,322 and the total number of deaths to 2,656.

According to MSDH, mask mandates and social distancing guidelines played a significant role in driving our state case numbers down over the last few weeks. To keep the momentum going, State Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, will host an hour-long discussion with the general public via Facebook Live at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15. Mississippians can submit COVID-19 questions or concerns to web@HealthyMS.com. Anyone submitting a question is asked to include “DOBBS” in the subject line of the email. All submissions must be received by noon on Monday, September 14. 

Click here for COVID-19 guidance and prevention tips.

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

Free COVID-19 Testing Now Available
For Child Care Facility Workers

Child care facility workers can now receive free drive-through COVID-19 testing at selected Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) community testing locations. The free testing is conducted at specific county health departments and the West Street Farmers Market in Jackson. K-12 teachers, staff, school administrators, and child care workers of Mississippi-licensed child care facilities can be tested regardless of whether they show symptoms or have had close contact with someone COVID-19 positive. Appointments are set through by completing an online questionnaire.

Click here to view the online COVID-19 questionnaire.

Click here to view a list of testing sites.

COVID-19 Safety & Elections

State and local election officials are constantly brainstorming ways to help uphold the integrity of our elections while focusing on the wellbeing of our citizens. To ensure voting in person on Election Day is as safe and secure as possible, The Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office is providing the following to every county in the state:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Every poll manager will be provided with a mask, face shield, and gloves to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Hand sanitizer for each polling place.
• Masks for voters who do not bring their own to the polling place and wish to wear a mask while voting. Please note that voters are not required to wear a mask, and voters can not be turned away or denied the right to vote if not wearing a mask.
• Single-use pens and/or styluses so voters can cast a ballot without touching a previously-used marking device. Voters may take the pen or stylus as they leave the polling place or place the item in a box to be sanitized for future use.
• Disinfectant supplies for sanitizing the polling place.

During the 2020 legislative session, state legislature passed House Bill 1789, which allows for at least one additional poll manager in each polling place to be hired specifically to sanitize the polling place and assist with social distancing safety protocols.

Individual counties may purchase additional supplies and sanitizing equipment to protect both election officials and voters, such as sneeze guards/protective barriers, and other items deemed essential by the county.

Click here to read more information regarding COVID-19 and elections.

Deadline Approaching for Back to Business MS Grant Program

The deadline for the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program is quickly approaching. Eligible businesses must apply for grants through the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program website before the Tuesday, September 15 deadline.

The program provides grants between $1,500 and $25,000 to help businesses recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, including operating expenses and salaries. To be eligible for the grant, a business must be in good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office as of March 1, 2020.

There is no fee to submit an application, and the program will not ask for credit card information. For assistance with your application, call 1-800-462-9980 or 601-228-1774.

Click here to read the eligibility requirements.

Click here to apply.