This past Friday, Governor Tate Reeves extended the Shelter in Place Executive Order for an additional seven days, until Monday, April 27.
In extending his order, Reeves stating that the situation in Mississippi is headed in a positive direction, but “we are not quite there yet,” and he asked Mississippians for one more week, at which time he feels the state will be able to begin a phased-in reopening.
Louisville Mayor Will Hill stated that he was not at all surprised at the extension and the City’s Safer at Home Order will mirror the statewide order.
In his announcement on Friday Reeves did lift some restrictions on non-essential businesses, beaches and parks. Non-essential businesses will be allowed to take phone orders/ internet orders and do curbside pickups, and parks was essentially referring to state parks rather than playgrounds.
Hill stated that Ivy Park and Academy Park will remain closed through the Shelter in Place order, and as parks are a ‘hot spot’ they may remain closed a little longer even as the rest of society begins to reopen.
Concerning city employees, Hill said that they are probably communicating better now than under normal circumstances.
He added, “I am so thankful that morale has remained good, and everyone has stepped up to the plate to do their job. He stated that he has yet to see anyone take advantage of the situation, and that providing services to the citizens of Louisville remains the priority.
Hill acknowledged that the City will take a financial hit due to businesses being closed, and every department will have to watch their budgets closely, but the City will not make any hasty decisions and services will continue. He added that there might be a spike due to panic buying and stimulus checks, but there’s not way to predict how these things will go.
The City Hall is operating with a limited staff to guard against virus exposure and Hill said that everyone is learning to work much more efficiently and he does not foresee any layoffs because everyone is essential.
Hill stated that during a time like this politics have been put aside and the focus has been on serving the citizens and making Louisville a better place. He added that he is very proud of how the City, Winston County, Utilities, the Winston Partnership and healthcare facilities have come together to deal with the pandemic.
