Mississippi Governor Reverses Course On Reopening State

An increase in coronavirus cases and deaths was behind Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves' delay to reopen some businesses, reports The Clarion-Ledger.

The Mississippi Health Department on Friday said there were 397 additional coronavirus cases and 20 new deaths. That marks the highest number of cases in the state in one day since the pandemic began. 

“Today, I was prepared to announce further reopenings,” Reeves said during a press conference. “That was the plan and I was excited to get more of our people back to work. We have to get businesses back and we have to get back to normal life. There are still a few industries that are forced to be closed, and I absolutely hate that. It eats me alive every day.

“We make the decision today based on the information we have available.”

As of May 1, Mississippi had 7,212 coronavirus cases, including 281 deaths. 

Retail stores were previously given the green light to reopen on May 4 to only 50% capacity, while barbershops, gyms, nail salons and tattoo parlors have to stay closed.

Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs called the spike in coronavirus cases a "stark reminder" the state has a long way to go before the pandemic ends.

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