Monday, a more relaxed order took effect in Mississippi as part of Gov. Tate Reeves’ safer at home order, which replaced his previous shelter at home order.
Under that new order, retail businesses can open for business, but must maintain the social distancing recommendations outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, part of which should be achieved by only allowing up to 50 percent of a respective business’ customer capacity in the building at one time.
Restaurants can also continue to operate by providing curbside pickup, takeout/drive-thru or delivery services, but still can’t open their establishment for dine-in services.
Dentists and other healthcare professionals can once again provide elective care, but should limit that care and those businesses can’t request personal protective equipment from a public source, Reeves’ order states.
Any establishment that provides entertainment must remain closed, including gyms and salons. The only exception is if that business can provide products, but not services, via drive-thru or pickup.
The elderly and anyone with an underlying health condition is advised to stay home.
Within the city of Picayune, Mayor Ed Pinero said the administration is following suit with Reeves’ order, with the exception that the curfew established on April 1 of this year by City Manager Jim Luke’s order will remain in place. Pinero said the city is keeping the curfew in place to ensure people stay off the streets after businesses close and to be sure social distancing policies are followed.
In Poplarville, Mayor Rossie Creel said city administrators have also followed Reeves’ new order. A curfew was never established in Poplarville, and that remains the same under the new order, Creel said.
Long lasting effects to the economy are expected, Creel said. To what degree is still unknown. Poplarville’s Mayor said he’s noticed an uptick in business at the grocery stores in town, and business at Parish Tractor seems to have remained strong if not increased. Creel is still concerned about the amount of sales tax revenue being collected due to the decline in restaurant business.
“I’m optimistic and I do feel we will recover,” Creel said.
Any adjustments to the city’s budget will be worked out as the numbers become more clear.
“Stay home as much as possible, and practice social distancing. Those things are in place for a reason,” Creel said.