The Governor takes action to flatten the curve in Mississippi

And, the Attorney General advises caution as fraudulent schemes begin to surface.

Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, how social distancing is changing life for older residents.

Segment 1:

Fifty-eight of Mississippi's eighty-two counties have presumptive cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus - that is according to the most recently available data from the Mississippi Department of Health. Cases of COVID-19 Mississippi have grown from the first confirmed case on March 11th, to over 300 in a two week span.

As a result of the spread, schools have been shutdown until mid-April, and employers have been encouraged to allow those who can to work from home. At a press conference Tuesday, Governor Tate Reeves assured Mississippians that his office will continue to provide guidance based on the advice of state and national experts. He also announced a new Executive Order that will further restrict public gatherings.

Segment 2:

The Attorney General's Office is urging Mississippians to practice caution during the coronavirus outbreak by being hyper-aware of fraudulent schemes. Attorney General Lynn Fitch joins our Desare Frazier to discuss what to look out for, and how to report suspicions.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Mississippians over the age of 65 are at an increased risk for severe outcomes when infected with COVID-19. The Mississippi Division of the AARP is advising older residents to avoid contact with others. Kimberly Campbell, Director of AARP Mississippi, tells our Kobee Vance these recommendations could mean huge lifestyle changes for residents.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Governor Reeves addresses his constituents.

Then, how Mississippi’s rural hospitals are adapting to the coronavirus outbreak.

Plus, a closer look at the TANF embezzlement case.

Segment 1:

Governor Tate Reeves took to Facebook Monday to address constituents and answer questions. Reeves remains self-quarantined since his return from Spain last weekend, even though he and his family haven't shown any symptoms. Reeves began by addressing the rising number of cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi. He says he expects that number to grow.

Segment 2:

Many rural hospitals in Mississippi are already struggling financially, and now the Coronavirus is placing more strain on their limited budgets. Mississippi Hospital Association CEO Tim Moore says rural hospitals rely on revenue from elective procedures and doctors appointments, which they now have to cancel. He tells our Desare Frazier, as Mississippi's rural hospitals prepare for a potential outbreak, concerns are mounting.

Neshoba General Hospital in Philadephia has screened over 100 people for the Coronavirus. CEO Lee McCall says Neshoba General can treat certain people who contract the COVID-19, but lacks an intensive care unit. He tells our Desare Frazier, those with serious respiratory problems won't be able to remain there.

Segment 3:

In early February State Auditor Shad White announced the indictments of six individuals in what he described as an Mississippi's largest welfare scheme. Former Department of Human Services Director John Davis was among those arrested, along with Nancy New and her son Zach - executives with Mississippi Community Education Center. Since then, Clarion Ledger reporters Jack Bologna and Luke Ramseth have been following the scandal - and the money. We joined Jack Bologna to take a closer look at another indicted figure, Brett DiBiase, and where the money trail has led them. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest from the State Health Department, including new testing centers.

Then, we talk to medical professionals about the do's and don'ts on the coronavirus.

Plus, how places of worship are adapting to social distancing.

Segment 1:

This Mississippi Department of Health is introducing a new triage system in an effort to more efficiently test for and identify cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is also establishing a testing center at the Fairgrounds in Jackson as a part of this ramped up testing effort. Doctor Alan Jones is the Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UMMC. He explains how the new triage process works.

Segment 2:

With number of COVID-19 cases in Mississippi expected to grow, health professionals are making efforts to inform communities of the risks associated with coronavirus transmission. Hand hygiene, social distancing, efficient testing measures - are hot topics in the fight against COVID-19. Our Desare Frazier joins Dr. Christian Weaver, Staff Physician in Infectious Diseases at the VA and Southern Remedy's own Dr. Morgan McLeod, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at UMMC to discuss it all.

Segment 3:

Churches in Mississippi, along with countless others across the country, are suspending Sunday morning worship services in response to the coronavirus. Some, like Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, are utilizing already-existing technologies, like live-streams to continue reaching its 4,000 member congregation. Pepper Carter is the Communications and Events Minister at Broadmoor. She tells MPB's Ashley Norwood that although the church has been streaming services for years, the overall Sunday experience is still different for most. 

Jerry Young is pastor over the 3,000 member congregation at New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson. He admits there are some challenges transitioning Sunday morning worship services online. But, he tells our Ashley Norwoood, it would be irresponsible for the church to ignore experts and their guidelines.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Governor extends school closings into April. What it means for teachers, students, and testing.

Then, a conversation with Congressman Bennie Thompson about the federal response to the coronavirus.

Plus, a coalition of civil rights groups is demanding Republican Governor Tate Reeves do more to protect incarcerated men and women from exposure to the coronavirus.

Segment 1:

Public schools will remain closed in Mississippi until April 17th to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. Governor Tate Reeves announced the closures at a State Board of Education meeting on Thursday, and recommended the board waive requirements regarding attendance and state testing. The State Board of Education has voted to suspend state testing for this school year, and has requested a waiver from the federal government to exempt those requirements. State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright State explains.

Segment 2:

The federal government is ramping up its response to assist vulnerable Americans as the economy slows during the period of social distancing required to flatten the curved of coronavirus transmission. Earlier this month, Congress passed a supplemental budget request to provide more funding to federal response agencies. This week, they passed the Familes First Coronavirus Response Act. Democrat Congressman Bennie Thompson joins our Michael Guidry to discuss the legislation and how the federal government is handling the threat.

Segment 3:

As the coronavirus continues to spread, a coalition of civil rights groups are demanding the Governors of Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi do more to protect incarcerated men and women from exposure. MPB's Ashley Norwood reports.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Mississippi’s University Hospital is doing to combat the coronavirus.

And, we talk with Southern Remedy’s Dr. Jimmy Stewart about the essential need-to-knows regarding COVID 19.

Then, the Governor meets with the Mississippi Economic Council.

Plus, in today's Book Club, Katy Simpson Smith's latest novel, "The Everlasting" spans two thousand years in and around Rome.

Segment 1:

The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in Mississippi has increased. The total now stands at 34 in 14 counties. To combat the spread of the virus, the University of Mississippi Medical Center is ramping up contingency plans and developing a test to help identify patients quickly. Doctor Alan Jones is Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. He urges people to avoid using emergency services during this crisis. The hospital wants to "flatten the curve," meaning prevent the spread of disease as much as possible to not overwhelm the healthcare system. Doctor Jones stresses this is not to be taken lightly.

Segment 2:

As more and more people begin adjusting to life with the coronavirus, staying informed about the virus and COVID-19 are becoming a top priority. MPB's Michael Guidry talks with Southern Remedy's Dr. Jimmy Stewart to get a basic understanding of the disease, its transmission, and how to flatten the curve.

Segment 3:

Mississippi's governor is requesting an Economic Disaster Declaration from the Small Business Administration to help companies hit financially by the Coronavirus outbreak. Governor Tate Reeves met with the Mississippi Economic Council Wednesday via online conferencing - Reeves remains self-quarantined since his return from Spain over the weekend, even though he and his family don't have symptoms. He says the administration must consider both public health and economic risk when navigating the threat of the coronavirus.

Segment 4:

The setting is Rome, the time period: over 2,000 years … from 165 A.D. to 2015. Four protagonists. “The Everlasting” is the third novel from Mississippi native, Katy Simpson Smith.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

House lawmakers suspend the legislative session.

And, food pantries and schools are stepping up to help those in need.

Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, Get 2 College continues to help students as deadlines approach.

Segment 1:

The House also approved a measure authorizing local governments and school districts to provide leave with pay to employees. Democrat Minority Leader, Robert Johnson of Natchez, offered an amendment to provide unemployment benefits to service workers and others who don't have paid leave. Democrat John Hines of Greenville voiced his support of the amendment on the floor. House Management Chair Jason White defended the resolution without amendment saying the House was not in the business of rushing through policy. The amendment failed and resolution passed as written 82-38. The bill to suspend the session will go to the Senate today where Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann says it will pass. The legislators are expected to return April 1st.

Segment 2:

As schools remain closed this week, and supermarkets find it increasingly difficult to keep stock of staple goods, food pantries and school districts are stepping up to help those in need. Cathy Pope is the president and CEO of Midsouth Food Bank, which serves the Mississippi Delta. As she tells MPB's Alexandra Watts, requests are increasing due to circumstances related to coronvirus concerns.

At Richland Upper Elementary in the Jackson metro area, administrators from Rankin County School District are handing out meals to families. The meals cover breakfast and lunch, and are free to kids under 18. Lindsay Starbuck is the Principal at Richland Upper Elementary. She tells our Kobee Vance the effort is to help provide a sense of normalcy for those families that depend on school meals.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Even with schools closed, deadlines for financial assistance for current and incoming college students remain in place. Get 2 College, a division of Woodward Hinds, is continuing to assist students and families in meeting those deadlines. Stephen Brown joins us.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from the State Health Department as cases of COVID 19 grow nationwide.

And, a look at some of the obstacles linked to statewide school closures.

Then, how social distancing is affecting one service industry.

Segment 1:

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves joined other governors across the nation on a conference call with President Trump on Monday to discuss state-level efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmission. State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs says community transmission of COVID 19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in Mississippi is low. But, based on national trends, he is revising some of the state's recommendations regarding social distancing. Testing and access to testing continue to be under heavy scrutiny. Dr. Dobbs says the state is now able to get test results in 24 hours, and says the state has plans to establish fast-track clinics.

Segment 2:

Schools across the state have closed for the remainder of this week due to the coronaviurs threat, and many are making preparations to shift to online instruction - keeping school buildings empty well into the spring semester. With mandatory state testing just around corner, parents, legislators, and officials alike are concerned the effects on instruction are too great to justify continuing with the tests. House Democrat Tom Miles of Forest introduced a suspension resolution Monday that would exempt schools from testing. He tells our Michael Guidry he has heard from worried parents and teachers across his district.

School closures are also affecting Mississippi's blood supply. Merle Eldrige is the Director of Donor Recruitment and Mobile Collections for Mississippi Blood Services. She tells us high school and college drives usually make up the bulk of their donations in the spring. But with so many canceled, the organization is in dire need of donors. 

Segment 3:

The Coronavirus outbreak is causing concern and frustration for some businesses in Mississippi, and is reshaping how they do business. This is especially true for service industries like restaurants and bars, and the staff that relies on wages made primarily of tips. Our team talks with industry personnel about how social distancing is affecting sales and wages.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Updates on the coronavirus in Mississippi.

And, the House passes a new abortion bill.

Then, after a Byte Size Tech, how to screen for and prevent colorectal cancer.

Segment 1:

After returning from a trip to Spain, Governor Tate Reeves addressed the people of Mississippi, and the growing concern over the novel coronavirus by issuing a State of Emergency Saturday.The Mississippi Department of Health has identified four new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Two of those cases have been reported in Hinds County, with one case each in Copiah and Pearl River Counties. The new cases bring the state total to ten. There are other reported cases in Forrest and Leflore Counties. To date, the Mississippi Department of Health has tested some 90 patients for COVID-19.

Segment 2:

A bill to restrict abortions under certain circumstances is headed to the Mississippi Senate after House lawmakers passed the measure. House Bill 1295, referred to as the Life Equality Act, would ban abortions based on race, sex or genetic abnormalities unless there's a medical emergency. Republican Tracy Arnold of Booneville supported the bill. He tells our Desare Frazier abortion isn't restricted enough in Mississippi. 

Opponents of the bill, like Democrat Senator Barbara Blackmon of Canton, call it draconian. She believes this, like the other attempts to restrict abortion, will pass through the legislature only to get caught up in the courts.

Segment 3:

Byte Size Tech

Segment 4:

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. The second deadliest, cancer killer in the United States, colorectal cancer cases are too often the result of fear and avoidance of screening. Mississippi currently ranks 47th in the country for colorectal screening. Dr. Vonda Reeves, partner with GI Associates Endoscopy Center in Flowood, tells our Michael Guidry what that ranking means.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Mississippi reports it’s first confirmed case of COVID-19, the Governor’s task force issues guidelines and cautions.

Then, with travel restrictions and cancellations nationwide, we talk to Insurance Commissioner Chaney about travel insurance.

Plus, a recap of corrections reform bills in the Senate.

Segment 1:

The Mississippi Department of Health is taking steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus after the state's first confirmed case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. A Forrest County man tested positive this week and is now in self isolation. We hear from State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers about symptoms, testing, and precautions.

Segment 2:

Across the country, major events are being canceled or suspended in wake of the coronavirus threat. This could mean travel plans for many are being interrupted without any clear indication that events will rescheduled or fees refunded. Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney joins us with advice and guidance in negotiating canceled travel plans.

Segment 3:

Mississippi lawmakers are tackling the state's prison crisis with legislation designed to keep violent criminals off the streets and still foster hope. Senator Brice Wiggins of Pascagoula says he's tried to pass a bill to fight gang activity in the state for two years. Each bill passed the Senate but died in the House. This year he's trying again. Wiggins, the chair of a judiciary committee, updated the bill, creating a legal definition for gangs. He tells our Desare Frazier the measure goes after leaders--outlawing recruiting or coercing someone to become a member. We also hear from Sen John Horhn (D) and Senate Corrections Chair Juan Barnett (D).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The house debates a bill to reshape the college board.

And, we preview the Census.

Then, in today’s Book Club - it was 53 years ago that, then, Senator Robert F. Kennedy visited the poorest part of Mississippi. Hear how that experience opened his eyes to hunger in America.

Segment 1:

A bill that would change how Mississippi's college board is selected has passed the House. Currently, all 12 members of board are selected by the governor. House Bill 870 would divide those appointments between the governor, the Lt gov. and the Speaker of the House-- each selecting four members. Republican and Universities and Colleges committee member C. Scott Bounds of Philadelphia presented the bill which was met with contention on the house floor. Democrats Chris Bell and Robert Holloway questioned why the bill excludes input from the state colleges. Bill presenter Republican C. Scott Bounds says the measure provides a balance in how college board members are selected. He explains the measure in further detail with our Desare Frazier.

Segment 2:

Starting today, Mississippi citizens will begin receiving invitations in their mailboxes to complete the 2020 U.S. Census. The count will help determine how much federal money is allocated to Mississippi, how many US representatives the state will receive, and help lawmakers shape the state's legislative districts. MPB's Kobee Vance talks with Giles Ward (Complete Count Committee) and Chuck Cariker (Mayor of Tunica).

Segment 3:

Book Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.