Jackson County Service Availability (COVID-19)

(updated 3/18/2020)

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The Jackson County Board of Supervisors will have an emergency meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 1 p.m. in the Board Room. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss current status of the County and what additional actions the Board of Supervisors may need to take concerning County operations, employees, policies, and other matters affecting the County during this state of emergency and to take such actions as deemed appropriate.

As of this morning, there has been one confirmed COVID-19 Virus in Jackson County. The Board of Supervisors, along with the Office of Emergency Services, and County Administrator office, are working closely with other cities and health related agencies within the County and State to make the best decisions regarding necessary precautions and future actions based on current information.

At this time, County offices will remain open to allow residents to conduct required business. However, there are some exceptions listed below and discussion is also underway to limit the number employees coming into offices, and access to some office related services and recreational facilities. We will send out updates as those decisions are made. In the meantime, we want to strongly discourage residents from social gatherings of 10 or more people and limit unnecessary trips to County facilities for the safety of all – this includes recreational facilities.

We are continuing to take steps to keep our facilities clean and limit person-to-person contact as much as possible in an effort to keep everyone safe. 

• Door handles, railings, work stations, public counters, and bathrooms are being sanitized more frequently
• Hand sanitizing stations or dispensers are located throughout our facilities
• County employees are encouraged to stay home if they are sick or have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• County employees who have travel plans, especially if public transportation is required or large crowds will be involved, are being asked to postpone their plans when possible
• Posters reminding individuals of proper precautions will be posted at our facilities
• A COVID-19 Informational Webpage link is posted on our website that will be updated as decisions are made

The County is also asking residents to help us in these efforts by doing the following:

• If you are sick with any flu like symptoms, please stay home
• If something CAN wait until a later date, please avoid visiting one of our facilities in person
• If your County business can be taken care of via phone, email, or through our website www.co.jackson.ms.us, please utilize those options
• Minimize the number of individuals from your party who enter our facilities
  – leave children, elderly, and individuals who have compromised immune systems at home
• Practice social distancing by remaining at least 6’ away from others
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and continue washing your hands frequently
• Limit what you touch including counters, door handles, your face, etc.

Along with following the above protocol, the following Departments are making specific cancellations, changes, or requests:

Animal Shelter – PLEASE VIEW ADOPTABLE ANIMALS ONLINE FIRST

We are going to do what we can to allow individuals to keep adopting animals as long as we possibly can, however, in order to do so, we need the cooperation of the public. Please understand that the following steps are being taken and asked of the public in order to save the lives of animals while limiting the potential for exposure of COVID-19 to our employees, their families, and other visitors:

• https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/165/Pet-Adoptions to view adoptable animals
• The Shelter is no longer accepting owner surrenders
• Animal Control Officers have been asked to restrict intake to bite cases and aggressive animal calls only
• The number of visitors in the shelter will be limited to 10 or less at a time and they will be greeted by staff at the gate who will assist them
• The staff will be restricting the number of individuals from a party who enter the building as well as the length of time spent there
• Only come to the shelter if you are serious about adopting a pet that you have seen online OR to reclaim your pet – not to hang out while out of school and work
• Limit the number of people in your party if you do come
• Keep your visit short

Courts –
If you have a case pending and have an attorney, contact your attorney for updates regarding changes to court dates. Otherwise, please contact the relevant court if you have not already been contacted.

• Circuit Court – 288-769-3040
• Justice – 228-769-3080
• County Court – 228-769-3037
• Chancery Court – 228-769-3453
• Youth Court – 228-769-3076

Community Centers – https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/247/Community-Centers

• All events at the Community Centers throughout the County have been cancelled or rescheduled from now through March 31, 2020

Chancery Offices (Chancery Court, Land Records, Archives)

• Currently remaining open for necessary business but foot traffic is discouraged
• As always, Land Records transactions and inquiries can be handled through the County’s website, mail or by calling 228-769-3131.

 Recreation Facilities – Email recreation@co.jackson.ms.us

• All County athletic facilities are closed including the bathrooms beginning March 17, 2020 until TBD
• Parks and playgrounds will remain open for now, however, we are asking that people refrain from holding events with multiple people attending

Whispering Pines Golf Course 

• The course will remain open at this time
• The grill will only have meals to go
• Golfers are encouraged to come in small groups of less than 6 and to avoid spending time in the clubhouse
• Any changes will be posted by the Golf Course Staff

Veterans Affairs – 228-769-3075

• The office is closed, however you can still contact by phone

Department of Human Services

• See attachment (COVID 19 Additional Page Flyer Social Distancing…) regarding their service options

In the event that Singing River Health System needs to set up COVID-19 drive through testing in the future, the Board did approve the use of the Pascagoula Fairground’s Pavilion. This is just a precautionary step in case it is needed.