Live updates May 11: New coronavirus cases, no deaths reported for South Mississippi

11 a.m.

The Mississippi State Department of Health reports fewer than 200 new coronavirus cases and 10 deaths for the second day in a row.

On Monday, there were 123 new COVID-19 cases and 9 new deaths reported across the state.

On the Coast, there was one new case each in Jackson and Pearl River counties. There were no new deaths.

There have now been 777 cases and 52 deaths in the lower six counties.

Totals for South Mississippi counties are:

George — 15 (0)

Hancock — 74 (0 new)

Harrison — 198 (0 new)

Jackson — 276 (1 new)

Pearl River — 90 (1 new)

Stone — 24 (0 new)

6:58 p.m.

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors voted Monday to reopen the county’s public parks from 9 a.m. — 7 p.m. beginning May 12.

Those who use the parks are asked to follow these guidelines:

▪ No more than 20 people are allowed in same area

▪ Maintain 6 feet of physical distance

▪ Sanitize hands before and after use.

▪ If showing signs of sickness, please stay home

The opening and restrictions apply to playgrounds, walking tracks, fitness equipment, athletic fields, tennis courts and pavilions.

Athletic fields will be open for practice only, no tournaments.

Splash pads will remain closed at this time.

With the exception of Roy Crane Park, at least one bathroom will be open at each facility and they will be sanitized daily.

3:30 p.m.

While urging Mississippians to return to work if they have the opportunity, Gov. Tate Reeves signed a new executive order Monday that extends unemployment benefits for workers still feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the new order, the governor is waiving the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment benefits for claims filed between March 8 and December 26. That waiver was set to expire on June 27 under the previous order.

Also, Reeves is increasing the $40 earning allowance to $200 from May 3 until June 27.

9 a.m.

The Moss Point Visionary Circle and Coastal Family Health are partnering to offer free CoViD-19 testing in Moss Point:

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Kreole Primary Elementary School, 6312 Martin Luther King Blvd.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Southgate Plaza (Old Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza), 3508 Main Street

8 a.m.

Phase 2 of Gov. Tate Reeves’ Safer at Home order is now in effect. Now allowed are:

• in-house dining at restaurants with strict social distancing and sanitation, 50% seating capacity
• outdoor gatherings of up to 20 people
• state parks open to the public with limited hours.

Bars and bar areas not offering food services remain closed.

Weekend highlights:

▪ MSDH on Sunday reported 123 new cases and 9 new deaths, and on Saturday reported 288 new cases and 12 new deaths, for a total of 411 new cases and 19 new deaths over the weekend.

In the lower six counties of South Mississippi, there were 10 new cases and one death over the weekend.

▪ On Saturday afternoon, about 150 people showed up to the Mississippi Freedom Rally near the Biloxi lighthouse to protest government-imposed restrictions during the pandemic.

This story was originally published May 11, 2020 at 11:56 AM.