The Governor calls for diligence as tighter restrictions in 13 counties go into effect.

Then, outbreaks in long term care facilities are on the rise again. We look at how the current wave of transmission is reaching this vulnerable population.

Plus, as the beginning of the school year approaches, we look at how teachers are preparing to return.

Segment 1:

Hospitalizations from the coronavirus are climbing in Mississippi, and officials are trying to slow the spread of the virus to prevent the state's healthcare system from being overwhelmed. Thirteen counties in Mississippi are under a mandatory mask order as coronavirus cases continue surge across the state. Governor Tate Reeves says such measures are needed because there has been resistance to personal mitigation efforts.

Coronavirus hospitalizations in Mississippi have almost doubled in the past month, and State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says some hospitals have added more beds, but many of the state's largest hospitals are operating at maximum capacity. Dobbs also addresses speculation regarding inflated case numbers.

Segment 2:

Nearly fifty percent of COVID-19 related deaths in Mississippi are occurring in long term care facilities. There are more than 100 coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes and long term care settings across the state. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the rise, based on the recent widespread community transmission, is not a surprise.

The Mississippi Department of Health is reporting a total of 3,000 cases among residents and a little over 600 total deaths. Tony Hamrick is President of the Mississippi Healthcare Association, and is also administrator of Columbia Rehab and Healthcare. He tells MPB's Ashley Norwood it's going to take a community effort to slow the spread among the state's most vulnerable.

Segment 3:

The Trump Administration is continuing its effort to pressure schools across the country to resume traditional education in the fall. During a round-table event at the White House yesterday, the President made is position clear. In Mississippi, Governor Reeves says he would also like to see schools open, and will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with school districts.

Talk of schools reopening has often been focused on what parents and students need. But a resumption of traditional instruction would also require thousands of teachers, administrators and staff to navigate the dangers that come with gathering in school buildings during the height of a pandemic. Cagney Weaver is an Academic Strategist at Biloxi Upper Elementary. She shares a teacher's perspective as schools across the state prepare to return.

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