Gov. delays return to classroom for certain 7-12 graders, issues statewide mask mandate

An executive order issued by Governor Tate Reeves will delay some students’ return to the classroom in certain hotspot areas in Mississippi. 

The governor’s order will delay the beginning of the academic year in eight counties – including Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Hinds, Panola, Sunflower, & Washington – until August 17th.

The order will also mandate that masks must be worn by students and teachers alike in schools across the state. Similarly, the governor will sign an additional executive order implementing a statewide mask mandate. 

The governor had been previously hesitant to issue such an order and had instead issued mask mandates for individual counties. Currently, 37 counties fall under that order. 

Watch today’s ongoing press briefing below:

This story will be updated as additional details become available.

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