Governor Reeves issues statewide mask mandate

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Tuesday that he’s setting a statewide order for people to wear masks in public amid a recent surge in cases of the new coronavirus.

Reeves also delayed the start of the school year for upper grades in eight counties that are hard-hit by COVID-19.

The governor also said he will sign an order mandating that all adults and students wear masks in schools, unless there’s a medical reason that prevents them from doing so.

He is delaying the start of school for grades 7-12 in eight counties with more than 200 cases and 500 cases per 100,000 residents. The counties are Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Hinds, Panola, Sunflower and Washington.

“We must pump the breaks in the hardest hit areas,” Reeves said.

He had previously set a mask order in 38 of the 82 counties, saying he thinks a targeted order has been effective. As he announced the expansion of that mandate to the entire state, he said he’s aiming to slow the spread of the virus to decrease the stress on the health system.

Reeves said most local school districts will keep control over when and how to open schools for the academic year.