During today’s press briefing, Governor Tate Reeves was joined by State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers and Greg Michel, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Governor Reeves opened up by addressing the importance of mental health as the state continues to endure the ongoing shelter-in-place order. He encouraged everyone to reach out to someone who may be particularly isolated during a time like this and said that even a small gesture can make a big difference.
This morning, the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 1,915. Dr. Byers explained that officials are observing a “troubling” racial disparity in cases with over 50% of cases occurring in African Americans. He went on to say that more than 50% of the COVID-19-related deaths have also been African Americans, many of whom had underlying health conditions.
As Mississippi businesses continue to step up to create masks and other supplies needed to help fight the spread of COVID-19, Michel announced a new website created by MEMA to “connect those who need resources with resource providers during response and recovery from an emergency or disaster event.” For more information about the Mississippi Business Emergency Operations Center, click here.
