Mississippi lifts most capacity limits and other COVID-19 restrictions

Mississippi on Friday lifted most of its capacity limits and other coronavirus restrictions, making it the latest state to ease limitations on businesses and gatherings amid a drop in COVID-19 cases.

An executive order signed by Gov. Tate Reeves (R) lifted all restrictions except a mandate that students six years old or above wear masks in schools for the rest of the academic year, which ends in the next few weeks in most Mississippi schools.

Among the restrictions that are being lifted are limitations on sporting events. Capacity restraints on restaurants, bars and other businesses had already been lifted.

Reeves explained the decision after noting that coronavirus hospitalizations have dropped to 189, including just 55 who are in intensive care units.

“So, effective today at 5pm, ALL capacity restrictions – indoor and outdoor – have been lifted.  You can attend graduation. And masks are not necessary for anyone at outdoor venues on K-12 campuses,” Reeves tweeted.

“Adults have the option of a very effective vaccine….students under 16 don’t yet have that option. So masks will continue INSIDE K-12 classrooms for the final few days of the 2020-21 academic year – let’s have ZERO students quarantined and have to miss graduation!” 

The executive order includes encouragements for people to still wear face masks, maintain social distancing and avoid large gatherings, particularly those indoors. 

Mississippi joins a slate of other states in easing restrictions.

Texas last month lifted most of its remaining coronavirus restrictions, including its statewide mask mandate and capacity restrictions on businesses. Iowa and Montana have also lifted statewide mask mandates, while Massachusetts completely revoked capacity limits on indoor dining.