May 4 – Daily Update

Today’s update looks at time-sensitive information regarding economic impact payments from the IRS, how to properly wear a mask, a free community testing availability for South Hattiesburg and the Palmer’s Crossing Community and an update regarding Gov. Reeves’ Executive Order 1478.

ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS
The Internal Revenue Service is reminding all who receive Supplemental Security Income and who are Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries to act by Tuesday, May 5 if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and have dependents so they can quickly receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payment.

Their $1,200 payments will be issued soon and, in order to add the $500 per eligible child amount to these payments, the IRS needs the dependent information before the payments are issued. Otherwise, their payment at this time will be $1,200 and, by law, the additional $500 per eligible child amount will be paid in association with a return filing for the tax year 2020.

To update information in regards to these two categories, visit https://www.irs.gov/coro…/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.

WEARING A MASK
The CDC has several pieces of guidance that allow for wearing masks in public, including what type and the best method for making them. By definition, a mask is anything that can cover your nose and mouth while still allowing you to comfortably breathe.

As masks become more prevalent in our community, please be sure that your mask is being worn the right way – covering your nose and mouth. For additional guidance, visit:
→ https://www.cdc.gov/…/prevent-getting…/cloth-face-cover.html
→ https://www.cdc.gov/…/prevent…/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

FREE DRIVE-THRU TESTING
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. is offering free drive-thru testing at their Hattiesburg Family Health Center (66 Old Airport Road) on Wednesday, May 13 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

No appointment is necessary and you do not have to have symptoms for a screening. For more information, call 601-658-0058.

GOV. REEVES’ EXEC. ORDER 1478
Mayor Barker and his administrative team are reviewing the latest order signed by Governor Reeves (issued today to take effect on Thursday, May 7 at 8 a.m.). Any changes at the local level will be communicated before the order takes effect on Thursday.

MAYOR BARKER’S DAILY BRIEFING
Below is the link to Mayor Barker’s briefing. He discusses today’s numbers, including an uptick in our 5-day new positive case average, hospitalizations and ICU admissions. To see the full briefing, see below: