Text sent through the Mississippi Today COVID-19 text line

Last week, our team sent a message to subscribers of our COVID-19 text line making them aware that Gov. Tate Reeves had lifted all mask mandates across Mississippi and removed restriction on businesses.

We also asked subscribers how they felt about Mississippi being one of two states to lift these kinds of restrictions.

We received a wide range of responses: Many were disappointed. Some were happy. Several wished more people had been vaccinated first. A couple felt it was politically motivated. Most expressed it was too soon.

How do you feel about the restrictions being lifted? Text COVID to 601-633-2220 to join our COVID-19 text line.

Read some of the responses we received:

Deeply disappointed. I do understand lifting restrictions so people can make a living. I do not understand making masks mandatory statewide in the process, as a tool. I do not understand how we got to this point- where partisanship > humanity.

I feel fine about it, but I do think I’ll wear mine still due to the fact of my parents health and I work with the elderly in their homes.

I think it’s too soon until we open vaccinations to all age groups I think we need to be more careful.

Way, way too soon! I feel we need a steadier decline in number of cases: at least a month of 200-100 numbers before any restrictions are lifted!

Even though people are getting vaccinated-It is too soon. Spring Break is upon us.

He should be following CDC guidelines.

I think that is great if a person wants to wear a mask they can. Glad restrictions on business have lifted.

It wasn’t being enforced so what’s the difference?

I am excited about the mandate being lifted. It will be nice to return to some form of normal.

Too early. Numbers down but that could change. Get more people vaccinated first.

Great news. People were beginning to ignore them in the last several weeks.

I feel it should be a little slower with masks still mandatory.

I think it is terrible!!! I almost died with this, 1 percent chance of living. I am a nurse and it is too early to lift this mandate.

I agree with Governor Reeves. People should be able to use their own judgement.

I don’t like it. I think it’s political.

Restrictions should not be lifted at this time. It is an outrage and unsafe. Insulting to healthcare workers.

We have been following Mississippi’s cases, deaths and vaccinations since the pandemic hit the state a year ago. View all of our data here. Keep tabs on daily case numbers and follow us as we continue to provide data and news to help keep Mississippians safe and informed.

Last updated: October 25, 2021

46% of total population fully vaccinated

555

new cases and 501,652 total cases in Mississippi. 93% not vaccinated, 7% fully vaccinated

34

new deaths reported and 10,024 total deaths in Mississippi. 87% not vaccinated, 13% fully vaccinated

88%

of hospitalizations not vaccinated, 12% fully vaccinated.

Sign up for our COVID-19 text line:

For more ways to connect with Mississippi Today, click here.


We want to hear from you!

Central to our mission at Mississippi Today is inspiring civic engagement. We think critically about how we can foster healthy dialogue between people who think differently about government and politics. We believe that conversation — raw, earnest talking and listening to better understand each other — is vital to the future of Mississippi. We encourage you to engage with us and each other on our social media accounts, email our reporters directly or leave a comment for our editor by clicking the button below.


Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.