Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite’s comments on the Governor’s Safer At Home Order

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

https://southaven.org/Blog.aspx?CID=1