Harrison County rejects coronavirus curfew for now, but that day could be coming
On the advice of Coast mayors, the Harrison County Board of Supervisors rejected imposing a curfew Monday, but all warned that day could be coming as the new coronavirus continues to spread.
The supervisors did close the beach to groups of no more than 10, saying exercise and the ability to get outdoors is important for residents.
“There are so many things bouncing around,” Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes told supervisors at the meeting, which was streamed live on Facebook with only mayors and supervisors in the Gulfport courthouse meeting room.
“There’s a lot of good information, but there’s a lot of bad information . . . The overriding concern right now seems to be the rapid spread of this virus.”
The Mississippi Health Department on Monday reported 249 cases in the state and one death. South Mississippi has 45 of the total cases.
Mississippi had 12 total cases one week ago.
“We are in hurricane mood, but the rules are different here,” Hewes said, noting that a person can be contagious but without symptoms and still spread COVID-19.
“ . . . The disease is in our community. It has been for quite some time.”
He said good people are isolating, as requested, to help slow the spread of the virus, but he also has heard about large gatherings for birthday parties and crawfish boils.
The fear is that quick spread of the coronavirus will overwhelm the nation’s healthcare system.
The mayors told supervisors that grocery stores — considered essential and remaining open even in localities where curfews have been imposed — need to limit crowds. Full parking lots remain a familiar sight at Coast grocery stores.
Pass Christian Mayor Chip McDermott warned that more New Orleans residents are headed to South Mississippi to escape an outbreak there. He said about 30 percent of people in Pass Christian are from New Orleans. Even in good times, Pass Christian is a favorite hangout and second home for New Orleans residents.
The curfew discussion was prompted by a letter law enforcement chiefs in Harrison County and its five cities signed late last week recommending a 24-hour curfew beginning Monday.
Many Coast cities, along with Jackson and Hancock counties, have already followed the Mississippi State Department of Health’s recommendation Friday that restaurants be closed to all but take-out service.
In the letter, law enforcement chiefs said exceptions to the proposed curfew would be public safety, healthcare and utility workers, grocery store and restaurant workers, and those in a “critical infrastructure industry” as defined by the Department of Homeland Security.
In Mississippi, schools and many nonessential businesses, including casinos, have already been closed.
In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered residents to stay at home unless they are getting essential supplies such as groceries and medication.
Harrison County supervisors, supported by the mayor, just weren’t ready to take the curfew step.
“Before I take any action, especially draconian action, I want to hear from medical people saying, ‘You need to do this,’ “ Supervisor Marlin Ladner said.
“I think we need to wait. We need to continue to suggest, ’Stay home.’ “
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 10:28 AM.
