Today, Governor Reeves indicated that his “Shelter-in Place” Order will be replaced on Monday, April 27 at 8:00 AM with a “Safer-at-Home” Order until Monday, May 11 at 8:00 AM. This Order will delay the City of Southaven’s “Comeback Plan” that I’ve previously communicated. Our Plan will be implemented immediately when given the leniency by the Governor as I realize our people need to know what lies ahead of May 11 and also need hope for returning to their businesses and normal lives, in general. I will continue to keep our city prepared and updated.
The Order is available on State sites to be viewed in its entirety, but this summary is my paraphrase to help our citizens.
You may view my comments regarding the Order during our Special Board Meeting today at the following link at about the 7-minute mark.
https://livestream.com/accounts/6642033/events/9102856/videos/205065553
WHAT IS CHANGING?
This Order allows travel to all jobs for individuals and opens all businesses, organizations, and facilities unless specifically excluded below. All non-essential businesses, organizations, and facilities must still comply with CDC social distancing guidelines requiring a minimum distance of 6 feet between all persons and the limit of physical gatherings to 10 persons or less. All persons over age 65 or with any health conditions that may increase vulnerability to the COVID-19 Virus are ordered to continue to “shelter-in-place”.
All non-essential retail will be open with a 50% building capacity occupancy limit per applicable building fire code. Curbside commerce options are still recommended.
Healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities may also resume performing non-emergent, elective medical procedures and surgeries, as clinically appropriate, in accordance with the guidance provided by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
WHAT REMAINS CLOSED/PROHIBITED?
Restaurant dining rooms (including bar areas), but drive-through, curbside, and delivery options remain allowed
Gyms, salons, and barber shops
Recreational and amusement facilities, including theaters; museums; dance/gymnastics/martial arts studios and all other indoor training facilities; trampoline parks; bowling alleys; pool halls; arcades; playgrounds; basketball courts; volleyball courts; baseball/softball fields; and football/soccer fields
All public and private social and other non-essential gatherings in groups of more than 10 people in a single space at the same time where individuals are in close proximity (less than 6 ft.)
Evictions are suspended, and all state, county and local law enforcement officers are directed to cease enforcement of orders of eviction for residential premises during this Safer at Home Order. No provision of the Governor’s Order shall be construed as relieving any individual of the obligation to pay rent, to make mortgage payments, or to comply with all laws or any other obligation that an individual may have, including under tenancy or mortgage
WHAT REMAINS ESSENTIAL?
The following are considered Essential Services pursuant to the Governor’s Orders:
Government operations, including defense operations, law enforcement, and courts
Healthcare, including home health care, and veterinarian care
Essential retail, including grocery stores, pharmacies, food and beverage stores, nutrition stores, convenience stores (excluding inside dining), gas and fuel stations, hardware and building material suppliers, firearm and ammunition suppliers, telecommunication equipment suppliers, sanitation, cleaning, and household necessity suppliers, office and professional service suppliers, and restaurants for drive-through, curbside service, or delivery (excluding inside dining and take-out)
Essential infrastructure, including utilities, supply chain, communications, telecommunications, public works, transportation, and hotel/lodging
Manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, and shipping
Agriculture
Essential services, including mail, sanitation, laundry, medial and hazardous waste management, building cleaning, building security, home sales and repair, automobile sales and repair, and mortuaries and cemeteries
Construction and related trades, including but not limited to lumber, building materials and hardware, electricians, plumbers, painters, cleaning and janitorial, and moving and relocation services
Banks and financial services
Professional services, including attorneys, accountants, architects, engineers, real estate sales and service, and insurance sales and service
Media outlets
Education to facilitate remote learning, critical research, or meal provision
Technological and logistics support
Child-care programs and services
Churches, religious gatherings, weddings, and funerals (Physical gatherings only will be limited to CDC guidelines and remote and “in-automobile” parking lot worship options are recommended.)
Basic-necessity services for disadvantaged persons
Lawn care
Pest control
Essential services required to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operations of residences and essential businesses
Hang in there a little longer!
Stay calm; stay smart; stay tough; stay positive; and stay away from risk as much as you can. We will get through this and return stronger than ever! #southavenstrong
With the most concern and respect,
Mayor Darren Musselwhite