Mississippi governor declares state of emergency due to COVID-19 coronavirus

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus outbreak.

Out of 90 Mississippians tested for COVID-19 novel coronavirus as of Friday, March 13, the Mississippi State Department of Health has seen six positives.

Three of the cases are in Forrest County where the state’s first case was reported March 11. Copiah, Pearl River and Leflore counties have each reported one case.

In a press release Saturday, Reeves said the emergency proclamation will further ramp up Mississippi’s coordinated response across all levels of government and provide health officials and administrators with the necessary tools and guidance to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“Taking proactive measures to limit community spread, I have declared a state of emergency to deploy the necessary resources to protect public health and take care of all Mississippians. We are not taking any chances. This is our latest step to respond to COVID-19, and it will not be our last. We will continue coordinating our response efforts and prioritizing the health and well-being for all who call Mississippi home,” Reeves said in the release.

The Governor also addressed the state via a video shared on social media (see below).

Throughout the rapidly changing events surrounding COVID-19, the governor has been monitoring the situation and working closely with Mississippi State Department of Health Director Dr. Thomas Dobbs and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Greg Michel. The declaration enables the agencies to ramp up coordination among all state and local agencies and enable them to fast-track coordination at all levels of government in Mississippi.

“I urge all Mississippians to use caution,” Reeves said. “This is not a time to panic—we are acting calmly and steadily. In this state, we were prepared. We have a pandemic plan that is being followed to the letter. We have tremendous experts who are operating in a way that will protect the public health and save lives. We are listening to those experts, and following their lead every step of the way.”

Mississippi State of Emergency proclamation March 14, 2020 (click to enlarge)