COVID-19 Tips, Resources and Relief Efforts
Thursday, March 26, 2020
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic continues to impact schools, businesses and communities across Mississippi. Our office is committed to keeping you informed, especially during times of uncertainty. We've compiled a list of tips, resources and relief efforts regarding COVID-19. Should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office. While our doors are temporarily closed to the public, we are still hard at work and ready to deliver the top-notch service you’ve come to expect from our office.
Click here for our office's contact information.
Coronavirus Update
As of 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported 485 COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths. More than 2,776 individuals have been tested to date. As we learn more about the coronavirus, several constants continue to be shared. Personal responsibility is key in our state’s battle to “flatten the curve”. Please remember to wash your hands as often as possible, maintain at least a 6-foot distance between you and those you come in contact with, cough/sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, and stay home as much as possible. Just as important, please remember to thank all of our first responders and healthcare workers, grocery store employees and owners, truckers, those in the supply chain, and others who are keeping our state moving through this pandemic. Most importantly, this too shall pass. Enjoy the extra time around your family, and remember to be thankful for the many blessings in your life!
Click here to view a current map of Mississippi COVID-19 cases.
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Economic Relief for Small Businesses
Small businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance of up to $2 million per applicant. The loan can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and more. Click here to apply.
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Unemployment Benefits
Mississippi workers unable to work due to COVID-19 are now eligible to file for unemployment benefits. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced existing unemployment compensation requirements have been adjusted, allowing more people to file for benefits. Governor Reeves signed Executive Order No. 1462 to implement the following:
- Individuals receiving unemployment benefits will not be required to serve a waiting period week for initial claims filed from March 8, 2020, through June 27, 2020.
- Work search requirements that normally must be met to be considered eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits shall be suspended beginning March 21, 2020, until June 27, 2020.
- All collection activities including, but not limited to, interception of state tax refunds, payment agreements, enrollment of liens, tax garnishments, and claimant overpayment garnishments shall be suspended until June 27, 2020.
Click here to file an unemployment claim, or call the MDES Contact Center
at 888-844-3577. Online claims can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Fradulent COVID-19 Test Kits
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers to beware of fraudulent COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments. The FDA is particularly concerned that deceptive products may cause Americans to delay or stop appropriate medical treatment, leading to serious and life-threatening harm. It’s likely that the products do not do what they claim, and the ingredients in them could cause adverse effects and could interact with, and potentially interfere with, essential medications. There are no FDA-approved products to prevent COVID-19.
Click here for more FDA tips and information regarding COVID-19.
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Investor Scams
Scam artists across the country are using the coronavirus as a way to seek access to personal and financial information. The North American Securities Administrators Association advises you to ask yourself the following questions before making a new investment:
1.) Is the investment being offered with a guaranteed high return with little or no risk?
2.) Is there a sense of urgency or limited availability surrounding the investment?
3.) Is the person offering the investment, and the investment itself, properly licensed or registered?
Investors should contact our Securities Division if they have any questions or concerns about individuals or products being offered.
Click here for Securities contact information.
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Charity Scams
People across the world continue to open their hearts and wallets to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While it's good to give to those in need, we urge you to be cautious of scammers looking to capitalize on your generosity. We encourage you to thoroughly vet any charities or organizations that solicit donations for COVID-19 relief work to ensure donations will truly be used to help those in need. You can check the validity of a charity on our website.
Click here to search a specific charity.
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Executive Orders
| Executive Order 1463 |
Executive Order 1463 announces new state guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19. |
Executive Order 1462
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Executive Order 1462 provides unemployment benefits to help Mississippi workers during COVID-19. |
Executive Order 1461
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Executive Order 1461 reschedules the 2nd Congressional District runoff election to June 23, 2020. |
Executive Order 1460
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Executive Order 1460 announces extended school closures to slow the spread of COVID-19. |
Executive Orders 1458 & 1459
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Executive Order 1458 allows state agencies to determine which state employees are essential. Executive Order 1459 activates the Mississippi National Guard to support mobile testing units.
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Click here to view all Executive Orders.
Emergency Contact Information
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