Mississippi Edition

Mask mandates are in place for 23 Mississippi counties, but who’s enforcing them. We talk to local authorities.

And, what school districts are doing to prepare for the resumption of classes in the midst of a pandemic.

Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, how the governing body of high school athletics and activities is adapting their fall seasons.

Segment 1:

Residents in nearly 30% of Mississippi counties are required to wear masks in public, as recently ordered by the governor. The executive order signed by Governor Tate Reeves this week, indicates that all law enforcement "may" enforce the mask requirement and limitation on social gatherings. The governor tightened restrictions in 23 out of the state's 82 counties where coronavirus cases are spiking. But how are county sheriffs and local police departments handling the new mandate? We talk to local sheriffs and police chiefs.

Segment 2:

In the next days and weeks, public schools in Mississippi will begin reopening for the fall. MPB’s Desare Frazier takes a look at how several school districts plan to educate students while keeping everyone involved safe in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

As the beginning of the fall semester nears, questions loom about what high school and college athletics will look like in the world of COVID. Pro sports around have globe have resumed their seasons in "bubbles" - with teams quarantined and stands empty. Some collegiate conferences, like the SWAC - home to Jackson State, Alcorn State, and Mississippi Valley State - have suspended their fall sports altogether. For the Mississippi High School Activities Association, the governing body of high school athletics, the situation remains fluid. Officials are delaying the start of the fall seasons by two weeks, but currently plan on having sports in the fall. Don Hinton is the Executive Director of the MHSAA. He explains the association's process.