Gov. Reeves extends statewide mask mandate through September

by

Ashley Norwood

• Published on September 15, 2020 • Last modified on September 14, 2020 • Comments

Gov. Tate Reeves adjusts his face mask during a COVID-19 press event.
AP Images

As Mississippi flattens the curve on new COVID-19 cases, the governor is extending a statewide mask mandate until the end of September.

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The average number of new coronavirus cases in Mississippi has dropped significantly since peaking in late June. At a press event yesterday, Governor Tate Reeves says the state's weekly 7-day average has declined by more than 65%. The department of health reported 145 new coronavirus cases Monday, which he says is one of the lowest daily case counts in a long time.

"We have for the first time in many, many, many months taken our seven-day average of new cases of COVID below 3,000," said Reeves.

"According to the White House, we are no longer in the red zone of COVID-19 in Mississippi which is a seven day period of at least 100 cases per 100,000. That is a positive development but that is because of the efforts of the people of this state."

As Mississippi braces for Hurricane Sally, evacuations, and sheltering, Reeves says now is not the time to let your guard down. He's encouraging Mississippians to be weather aware and remain virus aware.