Mississippi Edition

A Gulf Coast mayor is taking steps in his city to safeguard against coronavirus spread from Louisiana.

And, how the state’s agriculture industry is keeping shelves stocked.

Then, despite strict lock-downs, families are still finding was to connect with loved ones in nursing homes.

Plus, the effects of social distancing in Mississippi’s intellectually disabled community.

Segment 1:

The COVID-19 pandemic in Mississippi has resulted in 847 confirmed cases to date, and local leaders at the state and municipal level are implementing strategies to flatten the curve. Mike Smith is Mayor of Waveland in Hancock County; where the Mississipi Department of Health has reported 15 cases. It is also an hour's drive along I-10 from the southeastern epicenter of the coronavirus - New Orleans. Mayor Smith tells our Ashley Norwood his city is addressing concerns by taking measures to limit gatherings.

Segment 2:

Grocery Stores have seen a large increase in sales over the past several weeks. People have been rushing to stock up on food and supplies during this coronavirus outbreak. MPB’s Kobee Vance talks with Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gibson about how the state’s agriculture industry is keeping shelves stocked.

Segment 3:

Nursing homes in Mississippi have been closed to visitation for weeks to protect elderly and vulnerable residents from the coronavirus. But as MPB’s Kobee Vance reports, families are finding ways to connect with their loved ones.

Segment 4:

The coronavirus pandemic has caused many people to adjust their daily lives in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. But for some, the adjustment is far more profound than or avoiding the crowded gym or juggling work and home-schooling. For Mississippi's intellectually disabled community, these measures have turned the world upside down in many ways. Matt Nalker is the Executive Director of the Arc of Mississippi. He says he worries for the 160 individuals under the Arc's support.