During a social media address, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and Reeves both said a statewide lockdown was not sustainable, but isolating clusters is part of the state’s new offensive strategy against the spread of coronavirus. As of March 28, the state had 758 positive cases with Desoto and Hinds counties accounting for nearly 20 percent of the cases total.
“If we depend on shelter-in-place to be a solution ... you're going to be sorely disappointed,” Dobbs said.
Reeves has signed an executive order closing dine-in services at restaurants, unless they are following mandated social distancing guidelines and less than 10 people are present.
States across the country have issued varying degrees of lockdowns with a wide range of what is essential, and what you are allowed to leave your house for. The only neighboring state with such an order is Louisiana, which is one of the hardest hit states outside of the New York City metropolitan area and the west coast.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has followed a similar path to Reeves in leaving the decision up to local governments. And the largest counties in the state – including Dallas, Harris (Houston), Tarrant (Fort Worth), Bexar (San Antonio), and the city of Austin – have issued such lockdowns.
The cities of Tupelo and Holly Springs have issued stay at home orders.