Today’s update includes shelter-in-place reminders, the Good Friday trash schedule and a hotline number from Pine Grove Behavioral Health. Lastly, you can see Mayor Barker’s latest video briefing at the end of this update.

Shelter-in-Place

Thanks to all who are adhering to the shelter-in-place order that went into effect on Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m. per the governor’s order. It’s going to take all of us to flatten the curve.

With that being said, we have a few notes for you as reminders:

We realize going out for an essential need is a chance to “get out of the house” for a bit. However – no more than one person should go to the grocery store for essential needs unless it’s unavoidable (children with a parent, etc.).   This isn’t an order, but it is really important in doing your part to help slow the spread.
On Friday, April 3 – the Center for Disease Control and Prevention passed down guidance for wearing masks while out doing essential business. This includes bandanas and homemade masks. They also shared best practices for making masks and how they should be worn.

While we know that N95s are the medical-grade gold standard, a mask – be it fabric, surgical or homemade, will help serve as a barrier. To learn more about the guidance and for tutorials on making your own, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

Holiday Collection Schedule

Due to the Good Friday holiday on Friday, April 10, the City of Hattiesburg will operate an abbreviated trash, garbage and recycling schedule. It can be accessed via: https://www.hattiesburgms.com/cityservices/holidayschedule/

Hattiesburg Historic Commission Public Hearing

The Historic Commission Public Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at Noon will be available for the public to join virtually.

Accessible link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/188415477

Dial in using your phone: +1 (571) 317-3112

Access Code: 188-415-477

Pine Grove Emotional Support Line

Pine Grove Behavioral Health is providing public access to an emotional support line at 601-337-2215. This line is free and available to all community members (adults 18+) who are dealing with stress and anxiety that stems from COVID-10. The line is operational Monday – Friday, from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Briefing from Mayor Barker

Mayor Toby Barker discusses numbers for today across the Hattiesburg-area health care system (Forrest Health, Hattiesburg Clinic, Merit Health Wesley and Southeast MS Rural Health), essential tasks and personal responsibility. To see the full video briefing, look below:<