Mississippi schools, parents and students will know by next week whether schools will reopen after being closed because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. MPB’s Desare Frazier reports.
Governor Tate Reeves says he’ll announce a plan for the state’s public schools so administrators and families can plan ahead. Reeves ordered schools remain closed as of March 16, because of the Coronavirus. Some families are homeschooling and schools are using distance learning.
“And I want you to know I understand your need to know for your ability to plan. Therefore I am committing to provide a clear guidance by no later than Tuesday of next week on our school plan going forward. In the meantime I will be consulting with education officials and getting their guidance,” said Reeves.
Reeves added he’ll examine Coronavirus trends as well to determine the best course of action. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says they’re discovering a trend--not only are the elderly and those with weakened immune systems likely to be infected--so are more African Americans. He says 56 percent of those infected in the state are African American and 72 percent of deaths are also among that racial group.
“When you break down those deaths and when you look at them, we’re seeing significant incidences of disease like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, those chronic underlying problems that we know exist in Mississippi already,” said Byers.
The governor says the state must work on making healthcare more accessible and affordable to Mississippians in rural areas.