Mississippi Edition

State officials introduce targeted mitigation strategies in counties experiencing high transmission rates.

And, lawmakers begin the process of appropriating CARES Act funds.

Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, how a Mississippi restaurant owner is coping with changes while reopening.

Segment 1:

Seven counties in Mississippi are now under more restrictions to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his daily press briefing yesterday, Governor Tate Reeves announced he is expanding social distancing guidelines in Attala, Jasper, Lauderdale, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott Counties - areas health officials say are experiencing higher rates of transmission. Reeves outlined the extended restrictions in what he calls a surgical approach to combating the coronavirus. The seven targeted counties are in a clustered in the east-central region of the state. Health Officer Thomas Dobbs says these areas, while more rural, are experiencing a high burden than the Jackson metro area.

Segment 2:

As Mississippi lawmakers work to divvy up $1.25 billion in coronavirus federal relief funds, hospitals and healthcare providers are seeking help. Members of the Senate Public Health Committee met yesterday to hear requests from health officials as they consider how to appropriate the CARES Act relief funds. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs appealed for more personal protective equipment for health care workers and nursing home staff, and took questions from Senators.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Mississippi dining rooms are back in business after restaurants spent weeks being relegated to drive-through or carry-out services. Restaurants are having to adjust dining rooms and protocol to account for the new social distancing measures limiting capacity and spacing between tables. For Shaggy's founder and co-owner Ron Ladner, rebuilding consumer confidence is the key to welcoming back patrons. He shares more with our MPB's Kobee Vance.