JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced he has extended the shelter in place order for another week but said changes are coming.
The order was set to expire on Monday.
The White House released guidance on when they think states should be able to reopen on Thursday. Reeves said he hoped and prayed that Mississippi would be at that point based on their metrics, but “we’re just not there yet.”
“I know we cannot stay in this position for much longer, but we are still in the eye of the storm,” Reeves said during a news conference on Friday. “Right now I have to ask you for one more week.”
In the next week, he said it’s likely the state will be through the peak and seriously begin to start the process of reopening.
But there are some changes in the works. Officials said they believe they will soon be able to safely regulate lakes and beaches, allowing Mississippians the chance to get outdoors to relax.
He also said the state will soon allow drive-thru, curbside and delivery sales by those businesses deemed nonessential, like retail stores, florists and athletic goods stores.
Officials said they hope this will help spread people out from the big retail stores and act as a “good faith step” towards recovery.
State officials still urged people to wear masks when out in public.