During his daily press conference, Reeves pleaded with Mississippians to wear face masks, saying this is our best option.
“We’ve looked at every available tool and I promise you this this is the best weapon that we have,” Reeves said. “It’s not fun, but it’s a hell of a lot better than widespread shutdowns and if we don’t do something, that’s where we're headed.”
At the end of March, Reeves issued a shelter in place order that closed non-essential businesses in the state. To many this was an unfair move that left most big box retailers open, while shutting the doors at most small businesses. Over the next two months, Reeves slowly allowed the economy to reopen, and by June 1 the entire state was reopened.
This was a similar path to many other states, who like Mississippi have since seen a similar spike in cases and have had to pause reopenings.
Yesterday, a new order from Reeves went into effect, requiring face masks when you are in public. The order impacts the following counties: Hinds, Desoto, Madison, Harrison, Rankin, Jackson, Washington, Sunflower, Grenada, Claiborne, Jefferson, Wayne, Quitman.
Violators of the order face fines of up to $500 and up to six months in jail.
Also, in those counties no more than 10 people can gather indoors, and no more than 20 people can gather outdoors.