COVID-19 Tips, Resources, and Relief Efforts

COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi

As of Friday, October 9, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported 862 new COVID-19 cases and 6 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in our state to 103,681 and the total number of deaths to 3,080. 

Although the general, statewide mask mandate has been lifted, State Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, still recommends Mississippians wear a mask to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Help keep Mississippi safe by continuing to make the best decisions for you and your neighbor.

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

Comprehensive Safe Recovery Order

Governor Reeves recently announced the details of his new comprehensive Safe Recovery Executive Order. Executive Order 1525 replaces the Safe Return Order and its amendments and combines all social distancing measures into one Executive Order.

The Safe Recovery Order relaxes a few social distancing restrictions. A few of the relaxed restrictions include:

• Increasing attendance at outdoor K-12 extracurricular events such as football games to 50% of seating capacity
• Limiting group gatherings when you are unable to social distance to no more than 20 indoors and 100 outdoors
• Requiring masks for schools and close contact businesses like salons and barbershops.

The Safe Recovery Order is in effect until Wednesday, November 11 at 5:00 PM.

Click here to view the Safe Recovery Executive Order.

COVID-19 Safety Preparations for the 2020 General Election

The Secretary of State’s Office (SoS) remains committed to ensuring local election officials have the necessary items to make voting precincts as safe as possible on Election Day. With assistance from the Mississippi National Guard, SoS distributed 117 pallets of COVID-19 safety supplies with an estimated value of more than $542,000.

The items were purchased with Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds given to our state for the 2020 federal election cycle. Each pallet contained boxes of masks, face shields, gloves, disinfecting wipes, germicidal cleaner, and one-time-use pens and styluses — all of which were products purchased from Mississippi vendors. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) donated roughly 8,700 bottles of hand sanitizer for the counties as well.

While the Mississippi State Department of Health data shows a consistent decline in COVID-19 cases, SoS will continue to encourage COVID-19 preventative measures at the polls.

Click here to read additional COVID-19 safety information.

COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Healthcare Settings

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) released COVID-19 prevention guidance for healthcare settings. MSDH officials recommend the following prevention actions to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in health care settings.

Outpatient Medical Services:

1) Mississippi physicians should continue to use telemedicine services as appropriate to reduce the volume of patients in the clinical environment.

2) All patients with suspected COVID-19 should be assessed in a private location, with
appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Surgeries and Procedures:

1) All patients should be assessed for COVID-19 prior to surgeries or procedures:

• All patients should be assessed for COVID-19 symptoms immediately prior to any surgery.
• Patients with COVID-19 symptoms should be tested for and shown to not have COVID-19 prior to proceeding to surgery or procedure.

Click here to read additional guidelines for healthcare settings.