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Governor Reeves Orders Statewide Shelter-In-Place

Wednesday afternoon, April 1, Governor Tate Reeves called for a statewide “shelter in place” order. After consultation with Mississippi’s leading health officials and monitoring the increase in the number of cases in the state, the Governor decided that it was time to take more serious action to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The order will take effect Friday, April 3 at 5:00 PM and will end at 8:00 AM Monday, April 20. Governor Reeves has said that he will continue to assess this timeline, but for now, the order will remain in affect only for this period. Manufacturers deemed “essential businesses” under Gov. Reeves previous executive order ( Executive Order 1463) will not be negatively impacted by this new order, but all businesses are encouraged to follow CDC recommendations to protect the safety of their employees and community.

The Mississippi Economic Council and Mississippi Manufacturers Association have released a joint statement regarding Gov. Reeves' recent shelter-in-place order and in support of Mississippi's essential businesses.

“The Mississippi Economic Council and the Mississippi Manufacturers Association concur and appreciate Governor Tate Reeves’ decision today to issue a statewide shelter-in-place order. This measure will help protect the health and safety of our citizens, while at the same time recognizing the vital role essential businesses provide by assuring delivery of necessary services,” Scott Waller, President and CEO of MEC, and John McKay, President and CEO of MMA, said in a joint statement on Wednesday. “Our essential businesses will continue to provide important services, while implementing best practice guidance in health and safety to protect and inform their employees and customers throughout this dynamic situation. As new data becomes available, we will continue to provide resources in order for our businesses to operate safely and efficiently. We appreciate and salute front line healthcare providers. The business community will do our part in these difficult times.”

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans

Within the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, funding is included for the Paycheck Protection Program which was created to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Beginning April 3, 2020 small businesses can apply to receive forgivable loans. You can apply through any existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders.

Manufacturers Call to Action

Our country faces a shortage of supplies and medical equipment to treat COVID-19 patients and keep our communities safe. Many of our Mississippi manufacturers have already stepped up during this crisis to supply our state and nation during these shortages and the MMA sincerely thanks those companies. However, there is still more that needs to be done. To support the government’s relief efforts, the National Association of Manufacturers and Business Roundtable have combined their COVID-19 response efforts by launching a new, detailed survey for businesses to identify specific ways they can provide or produce the supplies that are in high demand. In developing the survey, they worked closely with federal agencies, including FEMA, to ensure that captures the supply information that is needed.

They have asked us to share this survey with our members, asking that you complete and submit it via the online portal, even if they have filled out similar previous surveys.

Mississippi Manufacturers Association │ 720 North President Street │ Jackson, MS 39202 │ www.mma-web.org