Jackson Clarion-Ledger
Sen. Roger Wicker, Cindy Hyde-Smith join Gov. Tate Reeves at coronavirus briefing
By Giacomo Bologna
Gov. Tate Reeves was joined by Mississippi Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith at a Wednesday press conference about the state's response to the spread of the coronavirus.
The trio praised each other and the actions of the federal government, particularly President Donald Trump, and urged Mississippians to remain vigilant about stopping transmission of COVID-19.
Wicker and Hyde-Smith did not take questions from reporters.
"Let me emphasize this: Reopening the economy does not mean ignoring the virus," Wicker said. "We can and should be smart about the pandemic while getting back to work."
Hyde-Smith warned that a second wave of cases could arise if Mississippi isn't careful moving forward.
"I've said all along the worst thing about going through this — as bad going through this is — would be going through this twice," Hyde-Smith said. "...We're living in a new world and i think we're going to be changed forever."
Hyde-Smith encouraged Mississippians to pray for guidance in dealing with the virus.
"Business owners, when you open up those businesses, don't let crowds come into your store. You're going to have to enforce these regulations," Hyde-Smith said. "Everybody wants the economy to start back. Everybody wants to get back to business as usual, but we can do this together."
Reeves wants businesses exempt from coronavirus liability
Reeves told reporters that business owners who decide to reopen their shops and stores should be exempt from lawsuits related to the coronavirus.
Reeves said he didn't think he, as governor, had the authority to order liability protection for business owners, but he urged Mississippi lawmakers — as well as the U.S. Congress — to pass such a law.
While some furloughed or laid-off workers may fear going to back to work and risk getting infected with the coronavirus, Reeves encouraged them to do so, noting that extra benefits distributed during the pandemic will eventually end — at which point they'll want to have a job.