Don’t put those masks away just yet.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves extended an order requiring residents to wear masks in public places in most parts of the state to guard against spread of COVID-19 until Wednesday, March 3.
The new mandate replaces the previous order that expired Feb. 3, and was issued for 75 of the state’s 82 counties, including Tate County. The only counties not under the new order are Adams, Issaquena, Jefferson, Lawrence, Sharkey, Quitman and Wilkinson.
Cases of COVID-19 have slowed significantly locally, according to statistics from the Mississippi Department of Health. There were only 35 cases reported in Tate County last week bringing the total to 2, 907 since the pandemic began almost a year ago. There were three additional deaths in the county last week. A total of 67 deaths since the onslaught began.
Gov. Reeves said it’s not time for Mississippians to let their guard down.
“We have to continue to take this virus seriously,” Reeves said in a statement. “We are continuing to work to get shots in arms and provide vaccines to those who meet the requirements. Please continue to social distance, wear your mask and keep your gatherings small.”
COVID-19 vaccinations are being administered at hospitals, community health centers, private clinics and at 21 state-run drive-thru sites across Mississippi.
For now, they are available to health care workers, residents of long-term care facilities, anyone 65 or older or anyone who is at least 16 and has a health condition that could make them more vulnerable to the highly contagious virus.
