Monday morning the Board of Supervisors declared a State of Emergency for Choctaw County which was to mainly address staffing issues.
Chancery Clerk Steve Montgomery stated that with schools closing some workers will need to be off work to stay with children and it creates problems for everyone.
The Supervisors met with representatives from the Mississippi Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Choctaw Regional Medical Center, all County departments and Pafford Ambulance.
The State of Emergency makes it easier for department heads to address staffing issues and make necessary accommodations as they see fit.
The Board would like to reassure residents that all essential county services will continue, including E-911, ambulance service, law enforcement, garbage pickup and other activities.
Montgomery added that they are trying to take the necessary steps to prepare for all eventualities.
The declaration of emergency follows a state declaration of emergency from Governor Tate Reeves and a national emergency declaration.
The county declaration opens up state and national resources up to Choctaw County if needed during the declared pandemic.
Meanwhile, precautionary closings of institutions have been made following the Governor’s state emergency declaration.
On Monday, the federal health officials revised their recommendation downward, encouraging groups to cancel or postpone gatherings of 10 or more people.
Nervous state residents have been emptying shelves of hand santizer, disinfectants and other cleaning supplies.
Governor Tate Reeves Signs Executive Orders Furthering Mississippi's COVID-19 Response
Governor Tate Reeves signed two executive orders to further the state's response to COVID-19 and aid Mississippians being impacted.
Addressing Mississippians via Facebook Live, Governor Reeves announced the ongoing efforts working with state and local agencies to proactively prepare for and respond to the changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 in the state. For the Governor's full remarks, you can view them here.
"This is a situation that is ever evolving. It is my goal and my mission to keep Mississippi up-to-date and informed of the facts and to continue improving our response efforts to protect public health. While you may be healthy, this is about protecting your loved ones, your neighbors, and people across Mississippi. We must look after one another during this trying time. We will come through this together—stronger," said Governor Tate Reeves.
Executive Order No. 1459 (below) activates the Mississippi National Guard to support mobile testing units and support Mississippi State Department of Health and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency at the testing locations. The Governor plans to implement the additional mobile testing sites throughout Mississippi in the coming days.
Governor Reeves also signed Executive Order No. 1458 (below) which allows state agencies to determine which state employees are essential and send everyone else home. The Governor encouraged other businesses in Mississippi to do the same with their employees.
Working to take care of our children during this difficult time, the Governor also asks schools in Executive Order No. 1458 to begin working with the Mississippi Department of Education to develop distance learning protocols as the state determines how long schools should remain closed. The second executive order asks schools to continue providing free and reduced lunches to students as well.
Executive Order No. 1458 also ensures paid leave for any state or local employees missing work due to COVID-19. The Governor is working with the Legislature to make sure it applies to everyone who could qualify and hopes that the private sector will follow suit.
