"As many of you are by now aware, Governor Tate Reeves has issued a Shelter In Place order to take effect on Friday, April 3 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and continuing until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20. Our staff members have observed, and we have received multiple reports of, people panic buying in stores all across Jones County, particularly grocery stores.
There is no reason to panic and hoard food and other essential supplies. Stores are receving regular shipments and restocking multiple times a day. As we’ve been issued guidance previously, the 10-person gathering limit is still in effect. The six-foot spacing guidance between persons is still in effect. The wash your hands often with soap and water guidance is still in effect. The disinfect surfaces with proper cleaning products guidance is still in effect. The guidance of using hand sanitizer if available is still in effect. So, many of the things we’ve been asked to do are simply being continued. What you are being asked to do now is stay home. Unless you are deemed an essential employee, please just stay home.
President Trump has warned that the next 2-3 weeks will present many challenges to our nation in terms of the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the potential for a horrendous rise in the number of patients dying from the virus. We join millions upon millions of people across our nation in praying for those infected, their families, and the untold number of Americans serving on the front lines providing care and fighting this deadly virus. For those who have already been lost to COVID-19, we pray for their families during this time of unimaginable loss.
We are all in this together. Take this time to think of others, reach out in safe ways to help your neighbor and let’s follow the decisions of local, state and federal officials in the days ahead. May God bless you and your family as we traverse these uncharted waters and may He bless the United States of America."
Sheriff Joe Berlin
Jones County Sheriff’s Department