Reeves lifts Mississippi’s COVID-19 mask mandate, but there are some exceptions
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday that he will not extend the state-wide mask mandate that was originally issued in early August, but masks will still be required in schools.
The new COVID-19 executive order was set to go into effect at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and last until Nov. 11, consolidating all previous executive orders into one.
During his Wednesday press conference, Reeves encouraged schools closed due to COVID-19 to reopen as soon as possible.
Reeves also eased some social distancing restrictions, including increasing attendance at high school football games to 50% of stadium capacity.
People who are in attendance at high school football games will be encouraged to wear masks when entering the stadium and as they leave, Reeves said.
Football games at college stadiums will continue to be limited to 25 percent of stadium capacity.
Reeves said that the state will take the time to look at data related to attendance in college stadiums. Ole Miss hosted its first home game last week. Southern Miss has already played host to three.
Group gatherings where people are unable to social distance will still be limited to no more than 20 indoors and 100 outdoors.
Masks will still be required for schools and businesses that require close contact like salons and barbershops.
“I’m not extending our state-wide mask mandate, but it’s clear that masks work,” Reeves said.
The governor said he still plans on wearing his mask when necessary.
“It’s the smart, prudent thing to do,” Reeves said. “But there is a difference between something being wise and something being a government mandate. We have to reserve that for our most critical moments.”
Not much changes for restaurants and bars under Reeves’ new order. Floor plans should be updated to ensure six feet of social distancing between groups and party sizes should be limited to a maximum of ten people. Employees who come into contact with customers are still encouraged to wear face coverings.
Bars are still prevented from selling alcohol between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Reeves’ order encourages all to follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and the Mississippi’s department of health, including social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.
This story was originally published September 30, 2020 at 2:53 PM.
