Ocean Springs asks residents to stay home. Governor says state doesn't need lockdown.

Mar. 23--Ocean Springs is asking all residents to stay home except for essential needs, but Gov. Tate Reeves said he doesn't have any plans now for a statewide shutdown.

Mayor Shea Dobson and the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Saturday to direct all residents to stay home except to get food or medical attention or to go to work in essential businesses.

Going out for a walk is OK, they said, but while maintaining social distancing.

The governor, answering several questions about a shutdown during a Facebook Live on Monday, suggested anyone who feels strongly that a shelter-in-place is necessary for Mississippi -- "Put yourself on individual lock down."

"No one at the State Department of Health has recommended at this time that we have a statewide shutdown or a shelter in place or whatever you want to call it," Reeves said.

He said he had just gotten off the phone with Vice President Mike Pence and the Coronavirus Task Force, and that from a national perspective they recommended following the President Trump's 15-day period of social distancing.

"Please understand we are doing everything in our power to listen to the experts," Reeves said. "But we are not gonna make rash decisions simply because some other states decide to do things." He then mentioned New York, saying it has an infection rate 8 times higher than most other states. That rate is according to the number of positives tests so far.

Reeves said other states that have directed residents to stay home say they have no way to enforce those orders.

"We need you to stay at home if you can," he said, and go to work only if it is essential. Reeves said there will be more executive orders to clarify what is essential.

He said people must follow all the directions from the Centers for Disease Control and Mississippi health department about social distancing and limiting groups to no more than 10, and hand washing.

Despite rumors, he said, "There is no plan to shut down the interstates." He asked residents to go to the store and buy just one week's worth of goods, and everyone will be able to get the essentials they need.

'Now is the time' to prevent COVID-19 spread

Ocean Springs' order said while it may be alarming, the shelter in place proclamation is to prevent the disease from spreading more rapidly.

"Now is the time to do everything we can to prevent the situation from getting much worse in a matter of days or weeks. Every hour counts."

The order also told residents not to participate in group activities in-person, or shop for non-essential goods.

"You should not have dinner parties. You should not invite friends over to your home to hang out."

It also said residents could not go to a nail salon or get their hair cut.

Businesses that are closed in Ocean Springs under the directive are:

-- Dine-in restaurants (including outside dining)

-- Bars and nightclubs

-- Entertainment venues

-- Recreational facilities

-- Tattoo parlors

-- Barbershops

-- Hair/Nail/Beauty/Tanning salons

-- Spas

-- Community centers

-- Parks except for walking trails

-- Gyms and fitness studios

Ocean Springs said the order excludes those who work in essential businesses such as:

-- City/county government services: police stations, fire stations, garbage/sanitation, utilities (water and power)

-- Gas stations

-- Pharmacies and drug stores

-- Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, restaurants offering curb-side pick-up and delivery only

-- Hospitals/clinics and other healthcare operations (Nursing homes and assisted living facilities)

-- Hardware stores and businesses providing necessary services to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences (plumbers, electricians, landscapers, HVAC services)

-- Banks

-- Media

-- Community benefit organizations on a case-by-case basis (United Way, Salvation Army,Red Cross)

-- Laundromats/laundry services

-- Veterinarian offices

-- Security companies

-- Cemeteries

___

(c)2020 The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.)

Visit The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.) at www.sunherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.