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Watch: live update from MS Gov. Tate Reeves on COVID-19 response in the state

The Mississippi Governor is holding a briefing on the latest measures being taken in the state.
Credit: Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss — Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves is giving a briefing on the latest response by the state to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Reeves posts his updates to his Facebook page. You can watch HERE.

LIVE: Governor Tate Reeves COVID-19 Response

Shelter-in-place starts tonight. That’s a big deal, and I know that many people are wondering what it means practically. We’re addressing that and talking about what our next steps to keep people safe are going to be.

Posted by Tate Reeves on Friday, April 3, 2020
At the recommendation of our state's health officials, I'm issuing an Executive Order for Mississippians to stay home and help us slow the spread of COVID-19. Every day, for the last several weeks, I have asked our health experts whether it is time for the ultimate action of a "shelter in place" order statewide.

4/3/2020 - (MS GOVERNOR'S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE) - In a letter to President Donald Trump, Governor Tate Reeves requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government this week – a procedural step to acquire necessary federal assets and resources to support Mississippi's COVID-19 response.

Upon approval, the disaster declaration will activate the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) Program for all Mississippi counties.

"I'm grateful for the ongoing partnership we've had with President Trump and his Administration throughout this trying time. Mississippians are the most charitable people in the country, and it has been heartwarming to see our state come together to support one another as we combat the spread. We must do all we can to help ease the burden. With this disaster declaration, we will be able to better help our families, our businesses, and all Mississippians weather this storm and emerge stronger," said Governor Tate Reeves.

The disaster declaration will provide access to expanded mental healthcare, supplement the efforts of tribal healthcare workers, provide grants to reduce the risk of loss of life or property during future emergencies, make available legal assistance to low-income Mississippians, expand food assistance and other services to low-income households impacted by COVID-19, and more.

View the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration request here.

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Coronavirus in Context: 

The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80-percent of the cases there were mild.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.

The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.

Lower your risk

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
  • If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

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