Please report concerns of child neglect and abuse
With schools, daycare centers and preschools around Mississippi shut down as part of statewide efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, online and hotline reports to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services abuse and neglect intake center have dropped dramatically over the past weeks. But child welfare experts and others do not believe this decline reflects a decrease in abuse or neglect. On the contrary, many fear that children are now at a greater risk of being hurt or neglected because families, many facing additional stress over work and health issues, are living in isolation from mandated reporters. “With fewer eyes on these at-risk children, fewer concerns of abuse and neglect are being made to MDCPS which means we don’t know who needs the supports and services we can provide to the families struggling during this stressful time,” said Tonya Rogillio, MDCPS deputy commissioner for child welfare. “It is the legal responsibility and moral obligation of every adult in Mississippi to report any concerns they have regarding child abuse, neglect or exploitation to MDCPS.” Image courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services The state’s lead child welfare agency, which receives roughly 25,000 abuse or neglect reports annually, typically sees a decline whenever schools are dismissed for summer vacation or extended holiday periods. When students return to classes, however, the number of reports immediately spike because teachers, school counselors and others like coaches or church group leaders identify concerning signs. “We suspect that school closures and other important efforts at social distancing are driving the reduction in reports of abuse or neglect because fewer people outside children’s immediate families are seeing children on a daily basis,” said Taylor Cheeseman, interim MDCPS commissioner. “We all share an obligation to be their advocates – to be on the alert for signs that a child may be in danger or that a family may need help.” In Mississippi, every adult 18 and older is a legally mandated reporter. That means all adults are responsible for reporting concerns of child abuse or neglect to MDCPS. Reports can be made online by going to www.mdcps.ms.gov and clicking on the Report Abuse link. There is also a mobile app available at no cost for all smartphones. The Mississippi Centralized Intake 24-hour hotline # is 1-800-222-8000. Given constraints associated with telework in the Agency’s response to COVID-19, MDCPS is asking that anyone who can report online rather than by phone. Cheeseman also encouraged families who are struggling during the COVID-19 shutdown to contact MDCPS if they need additional services or supports. “Our mission is to protect children and to support families. A call to MDCPS doesn’t necessarily mean we will come to take a child away. It means we will investigate what is needed to protect that child, and do whatever is in our power to strengthen and support that family’s ability to care for each other,” he said. The post Please report concerns of child neglect and abuse appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSU waiving GMAT/GRE requirements for summer and fall graduate school applicants
Due to testing limitations related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Mississippi State is temporarily waiving GMAT and GRE testing requirements for students applying to the university’s graduate programs. “Mississippi State University is very sensitive to the stress both our current and prospective students may be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Peter Ryan, MSU associate provost for academic affairs and interim dean of the Graduate School. “In an effort to reduce the stress level, our Graduate School, in coordination with the academic colleges, has made the decision to waive the GRE and GMAT test score requirements for summer 2020 and fall 2020 applicants.” All other requirements will still need to be met for admission into a student’s graduate program. For students coming to MSU from countries where English is not the first language, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, still will be required. Educational Testing Service (ETS) has announced that it soon will introduce a secure TOEFL in-home testing solution. More information will be provided by ETS and the MSU Graduate School as the in-home test is launched. The GMAT and GRE waivers apply to all of MSU’s over 200 on-campus and online graduate programs. “In addition to supporting our current graduate students, our Graduate School—along with faculty and staff across campus—is working to support prospective students as they navigate the admissions and enrollment process during this unique time,” said MSU Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw. “We hope the waiver of these testing requirements will provide one less thing for prospective students to worry about. Our faculty and staff look forward to welcoming students as they begin new academic programs this summer and fall.” Graduate School staff are available to answer questions. To reach the office, call 662-325-7400 or email gradapps@grad.msstate.edu. Program coordinators also can answer questions specific to colleges and departments. To find the coordinator for a program, visit https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/graduate-programs. The post MSU waiving GMAT/GRE requirements for summer and fall graduate school applicants appeared first on News Mississippi.
Keesler Air Force Base monitoring 3 positive cases of COVID-19
Keesler Air Force Base is currently monitoring three positive cases of COVID-19 for an active duty Airman, a spouse of a sister service member, and a retiree. According to Keesler, the individuals are in isolation, and the Mississippi Department of Health has been notified. On-base public health officials have begun the contract tracing process to notify those who may have come in contact with the positive individuals. “Our command team is directly involved with each member as is the medical team,” said Col. Heather Blackwell, 81st Training Wing commander, “and I am very impressed with their response and communication on that piece. What this does remind us is that we need to remain diligent in our efforts to keep social distancing, washing our hands and if you are sick, please speak up.” Keesler Air Force Base remains at Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie. There are no immediate, additional restrictions in place, however, they may be implemented in the future. According to a press release from Keesler, the Keesler Medical Center continues to take all necessary precautions to protect their forces and family members while safeguarding their healthcare mission capabilities during the current global outbreak of Corona Virus (COVID-19). To keep up-to-date on closures, visit the Keesler Website at https://www.keesler.af.mil/Health/. Keesler advises everyone to remain informed regarding the symptoms of COVID-19 and should contact the Dragon Health Hotline 228-376-7132 or the Nurse Advice Hotline at 1-800-874-2273. The post Keesler Air Force Base monitoring 3 positive cases of COVID-19 appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSDH confirms state’s third COVID-19 death
A third Mississippian has died as a result of COVID-19. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the 65-70-year-old Webster County man, who suffered from underlying health conditions, passed away after he was hospitalized. To date, all three of Mississippi’s reported deaths have been elderly men suffering from underlying health conditions. The 2nd death was reported by the MSDH earlier today. Currently, Mississippi has 377 confirmed cases of the virus. On Tuesday, Governor Tate Reeves signed a new executive order aimed at slowing the spread of the virus in Mississippi. The order mandates the suspension of dine-in services at Mississippi restaurants, limits non-essential gatherings of 10 or more people, directs businesses to allow every employee possible to work from home, and instructs state residents not to visit hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities. Other preventive measures Mississippians can take include the following: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose, and using the bathroom. Effective handwashing takes about 20 seconds, and includes cleaning under fingernails, between fingers, and washing the back of hands as well as the front. Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with anyone who is ill. Cover your coughs and sneezes. When possible, cough, sneeze or blow your nose into a tissue, and throw the tissue away. If you are sick, especially with shortness of breath, severe cough, fever or severe chest pain, call a doctor or healthcare provider for instructions on being safely examined. Avoid social gatherings where 10 people or more would come into close contact. Practice social distancing: stay at least six feet apart from others in a group. For more information on prevention measures and the latest guidance, download the free MS Ready mobile app or visit www.HealthyMS.com/covid-19. Follow MSDH by email and social media at www.HealthyMS.com/connect. The post MSDH confirms state’s third COVID-19 death appeared first on News Mississippi.
Have extra masks? The city of Hattiesburg will hold mask drive-thru and drop-off event.
To assist Hattiesburg’s health care community, first responders, and a general need for personal protective equipment, the City of Hattiesburg will host a mask drive-thru and drop-off event. Donations will be taken at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center (220 West Front Street) from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., on Thursday, March 26th, Friday, March 27th, and Saturday, March 28th. All unused masks (medical, construction-grade, sewn fabric, etc.) will be accepted. The event will be drive-thru and drop-off only and all guidelines per CDC will be used for unloading donations out of vehicles. Instructions include: Donors with one case or fewer are asked to drive up in the right lane on West Front Street in front of Jackie Dole Community Center. Do NOT get out of your vehicle. City of Hattiesburg employees will meet you to unload your donation. Any business/donor that would like to donate several cases or a large load of masks can take a right at West Railroad Street (between the City of Hattiesburg’s Engineering Building and Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center) and pull up to the back entrance. The driver will stay in the vehicle. City of Hattiesburg employees will unload. All motorists who frequently drive through West Front Street as a part of their daily commute are to approach the area with caution and patience. City of Hattiesburg employees will sort masks according to industry and they will be distributed to our local health care community, first responders and essential services. For more details, call 601-545-4501. The post Have extra masks? The city of Hattiesburg will hold mask drive-thru and drop-off event. appeared first on News Mississippi.
Sometimes you just need to see something good!
Here’s just a sampling of what Mississippi does best! Thank you to all who are stepping up and helping others, providing encouraging words, or just bringing us a smile during this time of uncertainty. It would be nearly impossible to share ALL of the positive things happening around us, but isn’t that the silver lining? The post Sometimes you just need to see something good! appeared first on News Mississippi.
New Total for Coronavirus Cases in Mississippi is 377; 2 Deaths
According to the Mississippi State Health Department website, the new total has reached 377 positive cases of the coronavirus in the state as well as 2 deaths, with a new one being reported today. Thats 57 new cases of the virus since yesterday. 1,943 Mississippians have been tested for the virus as of today and 19.4% are seeing positive results. The virus has spread to 61 of Mississippi’s 82 counties. Hinds County does still have the most cases with 38 positive Coronavirus cases, Desoto County is in second with 36 cases. The new death reported today was a 60-65 year old male from Holmes County with underlying health conditions. The man died while hospitalized. As always, remember to wash your hands as much as possible, stay home if you are sick, and stay away from gatherings with more than 10 people. Below is a map of the Mississippi counties infected: The post New Total for Coronavirus Cases in Mississippi is 377; 2 Deaths appeared first on News Mississippi.
Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak, President Trump Has Extended the Deadline for Real ID
President Trump announced on Monday that he is pushing back the deadline for when Americans will be required to have the new Real ID credential. This is the new feature that will be required to board domestic flights. He is postponing the original deadline of October 1st. President Trump is pushing this back in hopes that the Coronavirus pandemic will be under control and concerns of people meeting in crowds will die down. Trump did not say when the new deadline will be but said he will announce it “very soon,” according to the Washington Post. Many states, including Mississippi, have closed their Department of Motor Vehicles in connection to the CDC rules in place to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. The Real ID Act was originally to help prevent terrorist attacks and reduce the number of licenses granted to undocumented immigrants. The post Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak, President Trump Has Extended the Deadline for Real ID appeared first on News Mississippi.
Health officials confirm second coronavirus-related death
A second coronavirus-related death has been reported by the Mississippi State Department of Health. Health officials say that the patient was a Holmes County man between the ages of 60-65 who suffered from underlying health conditions. The man died in the hospital. The man becomes the second Mississippian to pass away as a result of COVID-19. The first man, who died earlier this month in Hancock County, was also between the ages of 60-65 and suffered from underlying health conditions. “We knew that more deaths would be inevitable, just as we expect numerous new cases. It is a very sad update to report, regardless,” said MSDH State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs, MD, MPH. “Please do your part by practicing all preventive measures. It is vitally important that we all do what we can right now to help slow the spread of this virus.” Mississippi currently has 377 confirmed cases of COVID-19. On Tuesday, Governor Tate Reeves signed a new executive order aimed at slowing the spread of the virus in Mississippi. The order mandates the suspension of dine-in services at Mississippi restaurants, limits non-essential gatherings of 10 or more people, directs businesses to allow every employee possible to work from home and instructs state residents not to visit hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities. Other preventive measures Mississippians can take include the following: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose, and using the bathroom. Effective handwashing takes about 20 seconds, and includes cleaning under fingernails, between fingers, and washing the back of hands as well as the front. Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with anyone who is ill. Cover your coughs and sneezes. When possible, cough, sneeze or blow your nose into a tissue, and throw the tissue away. If you are sick, especially with shortness of breath, severe cough, fever or severe chest pain, call a doctor or healthcare provider for instructions on being safely examined. Avoid social gatherings where 10 people or more would come into close contact. Practice social distancing: stay at least six feet apart from others in a group. For more information on prevention measures and the latest guidance, download the free MS Ready mobile app or visit www.HealthyMS.com/covid-19. Follow MSDH by email and social media at www.HealthyMS.com/connect. The post Health officials confirm second coronavirus-related death appeared first on News Mississippi.
Executive order limits gatherings, defines essential services
Photo Courtesy of Gov. Reeves office Governor Tate Reeves has signed a new executive order aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The Governor has remained adamant that there will not be a statewide lockdown in Mississippi, and the order mirrors recommendations made by the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health. “We know that every action we take has unintended consequences. Every action echoes throughout our communities, affecting thousands of peoples’ ability to earn a living, thousands of families, and hundreds of thousands of lives. These decisions have been among the hardest of my career,” Reeves said. The key points in the executive order can be seen below. Mississippians must avoid non-essential gatherings of 10 people or more. Suspending dine-in services at restaurants and bars across the state, instructing them to use drive-thru, take-out, or delivery services to get people food. Mississippians must not to visit hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities. Directing businesses to allow every employee possible to work from home. Defining essential businesses to give clear guidance to partners at the local level and ensure no essential services are closed. Essential Businesses were defined as the following: The post Executive order limits gatherings, defines essential services appeared first on News Mississippi.
