COVID-19 Tips, Resources and Relief Efforts (8/28/2020)

COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi

As of Thursday, August 27, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported 585 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in our state to 80,695 and the total number of deaths to 2,399. 

While it remains painful to watch the number of COVID-19 related deaths climb in Mississippi, it's comforting to see a consistent decline in the number of new cases over the last few days. Keep up the good work, Mississippi! 

Click here for COVID-19 guidance and prevention tips.

Click here to view a map of COVID-19 cases.

Lost Wages Assistance Program

Mississippi's application for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance Program has been approved. Mississippians who are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 and are currently receiving a weekly unemployment benefit amount of $100 or more from one of the following programs will be eligible to receive an additional $300 a week in the LWA FEMA program:

• Unemployment Insurance (UI)
• Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE)
• Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX)
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
• Extended Benefits (EB)
• Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
• Self-Employment Assistance (SEA)

Claimants do not need to file a separate application to receive LWA. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) will make the LWA payments in the same manner as any payment from one of the above-listed programs payable for the week involved for all participating claimants. The $300 LWA payment is subject to both federal and state income taxes.

MDES will implement the program and funds will
be available within three to four weeks.

Click here for information about LWA Program.

Back to Business MS Grant Program

The Mississippi Development Authority is still accepting applications for the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program. The program provides grants between $1,500 and $25,000 to help businesses recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, including operating expenses and salaries. To be eligible for the grant, a business must be in good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office as of March 1, 2020. 

Eligible businesses must apply for grants through the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program website before the Tuesday, September 15 deadline. There is no fee to submit an application, and the program will not ask for credit card information. For assistance with your application, call 1-800-462-9980 or 601-228-1774.

Click here to read the eligibility requirements.

Click here to apply.

Mississippi PPE Providers

Dozens of Mississippi businesses are stepping up to help provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to those in need. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted our business community, and supporting local businesses plays a vital role in reviving our state's economy. If you, your company, or someone you know, is interested in purchasing PPE, we encourage you to keep Mississippi businesses in mind.

Click here to view Mississippi-based companies manufacturing PPE.