Monday morning the Board of Supervisors declared a State of Emergency for Winston County in order to be able to work with state and federal officials on all COVID-19 challenges both economically and medically.
“We are going to follow the Governor and the President’s lead and declare a state of emergency,” said Luke Parkes, Board President and District 2 Supervisor for Winston County. “We need to be as normal as possible yet with all the proper precautions.”
Parkes added, “We do not know the seriousness of this (COVID-19) and so it is better to be overprotective and plan and put things in place in case of need.”
Winston County Emergency Management Director Buddy King reviewed the importance of the measure of declaring an emergency and explained that the county had implemented the Pandemic Plan on Thursday after the National Declaration of an Emergency.
“Declaring an emergency opens up funding and possible reimbursement from FEMA, CDC and other agencies for funds we have to spend because of local impacts,” said King.
The supervisors noted that with all the inmates under lockdown that the county would have to temporarily hire garbage truck drivers and others.
King noted that the county needed to track all the extraordinary expenses such as that so the county could apply for reimbursement due to the emergency status.
Sheriff Jason Pugh added that a person to clean the courthouse would also need to be hired. The board approved the measure.
The state of emergency is set for 30 days and may be renewed if needed.
Parkes added that The Winston County Courthouse and court system will remain open. The county ordered hand santizer stations for the entrances at the courthouse.
The county employees will continue to help the citizens of Winston County.
Board attorney Hugh Hathorn noted that if persons wanted to limit contact that the public public is encouraged to use other means of transacting business that may not involve personal contact. Many county transactions with the county can be conducted by telephone or vby visiting the county website www.winstonms.com. person may also contact the county department head of the appropriate office for options.
The Board and attorney Hathorn reassured residents that all essential county services will continue, including E-911, ambulance service, law enforcement, garbage pickup and other activities.
The declaration of emergency follows a state declaration of emergency from Governor Tate Reeves and a national emergency declaration.
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.
Anxious residents have been emptying shelves of hand santizer, disinfectants and other cleaning supplies from local stores.
LMSD
Louisville Municipal School District Superintendent Randy Grierson reviewed school closings with the board. (See schools closing article for more information in this same edition).
WCRCF
Winston Choctaw Regional Correctional Facility Warden Neal Higgason gave the board a review of measures taken at the facility for the inmates.
Higgason noted that the inmates are on lockdown due to the COVID-19 measures and santizer stations had been add a places at the facility.
“Our population (about 300 persons) is unique and we ahve stopped all movement in and out of the facility,” said Higgason.
He noted that they are allowing the inmates as much recreation time outside as weather permits.
Other Business
The Board of Supervisors handled a full agend of regular matters as well in the meeting.
A full review of the at will be in the March 25 edition.
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.
PSC Prohibits Shutoffs During SOE
The Mississippi Public Service Commission informed MEMA, Sunday, March 15, 2020, an emergency order has been issued prohibiting all water, electric, sewer and natural gas shutoffs for sixty days in response to COVID-19.
"This doesn't alleviate any customer's responsibility to pay their bills, but prevents service shutoffs during this period," says Commissioner Brandon Presley.
According to the PSC, municipalities who serve customers within their city limits or within one mile are not subject to the PSC's jurisdiction.
"We urge municipalities to follow the guidance from the Public Service Commission to ensure that all Mississippians have access to their utilities during this state of emergency," says MEMA Director Greg Michel.
