Mask mandate lifted by Reeves

Tuesday, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed Executive Order 1549, which lifts the statewide mask mandate in the state. The order will go into effect at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3 and stay in effect until March 31.

“Today, I signed what I expect will be one of my last executive orders regarding COVID-19,” Reeves said in a news release. “Our hospitalizations have plummeted, and our case numbers have fallen dramatically as well. In fact, our case numbers have fallen to the point where no county meets the original criteria for a mask mandate.

“I am replacing our current orders with recommendations,” Reeves continued. “Everyone should continue to listen to health advisors for the best possible wisdom regarding how you can personally stem any risk of catching COVID. The only rules that will remain in this order are a capacity limit of 50 percent on indoor arenas, and those that govern K-12 schools.”

With the new order, Mississippians are encouraged, though not ordered, to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. K-12 schools will still require a mask where social distancing is not possible. Seating for K-12 extracurricular activities at outdoor venues is now set at 50 percent capacity and 25 percent maximum seating capacity inside. Seating capacity for indoor bowl and arena seating is now increased to 50 percent.

A copy of executive order 1549 is found here

.