Mississippi Edition

The latest from the Governor and his coronavirus response team.

Then, the role of telemedicine in fighting the pandemic.

Plus, Mississippi is expecting millions of dollars in federal aid. A word with the State Auditor about monitoring that money.

Segment 1:

Governor Tate Reeves is applauding the Department of Health and the University of Mississippi Medical Center for their efforts in ramping up testing across the state. At a press conference yesterday, Reeves shared testing data, and compared it the nations from which the new aggressive Mississippi model is based. Reeves also addressed the skyrocketing unemployment numbers. He assures that, while the long wait may be due to large rise in applications, Mississippians will receive unemployment benefits based on the day of termination.

The nationwide shortage of personal protection equipment is still a major concern. MEMA Director Greg Michel says the state can expect PPE shipments to arrive through the weekend. A Mississippi non-profit is recruiting volunteers to make face masks to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. As MPB’s Desare Frazier reports, they aren’t alone...a Mississippi business has also revamped its factory to help meet the demand for protective face masks.

Segment 2:

Due to the communicable nature of the novel coronavirus, health care professionals have resorted to increased use of telemedicine to triage patients, and limit potential transmission out of hospitals and clinic waiting rooms. Dr. Alan Jones is the Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He explains the role of telemedicine in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Segment 3:

The CARES Act, passed by Congress last month, could pump millions of dollars into Mississippi's businesses and agencies. But for a state on the heels of the largest embezzlement scheme in its history, fraud is a heightened concern. State Auditor Shad White joins our Michael Guidry to discuss the proactive measures his office is taking as financial relief comes to Mississippi.