Q&A on Mississippi’s shelter-in-place order during coronavirus outbreak
While Gov. Tate Reeves’ shelter-in-place order addressed a wide range of issues for Mississippians, there are still questions about how far the restrictions go.
The order went into effect at 5 p.m. Friday, April 3, and is scheduled to end at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 20.
On Friday, April 17, Reeves extended the shelter-in-place a week. It now is scheduled to expire on Monday, April 27.
Under the new provisions, beaches and lakes can open while those using them maintain social distancing.
Non-essential businesses like florist shops and other retail sales can open with drive-thru, curbside service or delivery only.
The purpose of Reeves’ order is to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the state during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Basics of the declaration, include:
▪ People are asked to stay home.
▪ When outside, people must follow social-distancing guidelines by maintaining a 6-foot distance from others and avoid groups of 10 or more, including inside most businesses.
▪ Beaches and public parks are reopened Monday at 8 a.m. at the discretion of local officials. Harrison County agreed to reopen the beaches. Hancock and Jackson supervisors meet Monday to consider reopening.
▪ Evictions are suspended, although people are still required to pay rent or mortgage payments.
▪ All nonessential businesses are to stop all activities other than those for minimum operations.
Many cities on the Coast also shut non-essential businesses and issued their own curfews and other restrictions. Those still apply to residents of those areas.
Cities that have issued curfews from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. are Gulfport, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Waveland, Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead. Gulfport, Long Beach and Bay St. Louis are among the cities that have extended the curfew indefinitely.
Here are some of the most common questions the Sun Herald has seen so far. If you don’t see your question answered, message us on Facebook or email online@sunherald.com.
Can you find another place to stay if yours is unsafe?
Yes. If your residence is unsafe for reasons such as domestic violence or lack of sanitation, people are encouraged to seek another location. Police and other officials can help those people find shelter elsewhere.
Can you exercise outside?
Yes, exercise is encouraged, but people are encouraged to use social distancing while doing so.
Can you go fishing?
Reeves described fishing as “a very safe socially distant activity.” He said that you can go fishing on a pond, creek or private lake as long as you stay away from other anglers. His new order allows the greater of 2 people in a boat or 50% of the occupancy of a multi-person boat.
Recreational saltwater fishing is allowed as long as family members from the same household are on a boat. If boaters are not from the same household, they need to ensure they can maintain social distancing. This applies to land, boats or piers.
Commercial fishing is considered essential business and will be allowed.
You will be able to fish from the beach, but many piers will remain closed.
All fishing tournaments are prohibited.
Will liquor stores stay open?
Yes, Reeves said liquor stores can continue to operate.
Will grocery stores and pharmacies remain accessible?
Yes, you can shop for groceries and go inside pharmacies. People are asked to maintain at least 6 feet from other people in those stores.
What businesses are considered essential?
Hospitals, grocery stories, pharmacies, clinics, restaurants (for takeout), liquor stores, child care services, gas stations, banks, utilities (like power, garbage services and water).
Can you still walk on the sidewalks along the beach?
Yes, you can walk on the boardwalk and sit on public benches. If you go for a walk, maintain social distancing and avoid groups of 10 people or more.
Can you order from a restaurant?
Yes you can order take-out and delivery from restaurants.
Can you go to home-improvement stores?
Gulfport and Long Beach are reducing the amount of people who can be inside big box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot to 5% of standard occupancy.
D’Iberville also is limiting big box stores to 5% of the occupancy set by the city fire department, except for those with pharmacies and groceries.
Biloxi opted not to put an occupancy limit on Home Depot, but encourages social distancing.
Can you go to church?
People are encouraged to stay home and watch a broadcast of the service.
Can funerals and weddings take place?
Yes, but only if 10 people or fewer are in attendance.
What qualifies a home as a residence?
Single-family homes, hotels, rental units and mobile homes all fall under the description.
Will curbside garbage and recycling continue?
Yes, there have been no reports of cities or counties changing their policies on garbage pick-up.
Can you be arrested for violating the order?
While Reeves said police officers will first attempt break up any gatherings of 10 or more people, they have the authority to make arrests if people refuse to follow orders.
Can local orders be different that ones issued by Reeves?
Reeves said local orders can be stricter than his executive orders, but the state order applies where local orders are more lenient.
Those who ignore the local orders are subject to a fine of up to $300 and/or up to six months in jail, with citations to be issued by city police officers. First offenses will apply to business managers or supervisors on the premises. Second offenses will also apply to patrons.
This story was originally published April 4, 2020 at 8:00 AM.
