Local Headlines

Emotional contagion: Coronavirus threat can take a toll on mental health

By Chelsey Sellars | March 27, 2020 at 10:49 PM CDT – Updated March 27 at 10:50 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Most people are staying home to avoid the coronavirus contagion.

Dr. Katherine Pannel of Right Track Medical Group in Oxford said an emotional one is spreading, too.

“Just like a viral contagion, it’s an instance where emotions are transferred from person to person. It’s almost like a rippled effect. And if it’s not taken care of and addressed in the now, it can actually last longer than a viral contagion,” she said.

Harsh headlines through social media, recent unemployment and other factors related to COVID-19 can be triggering.

This ripple effect of emotions can be detected through self-awareness.

”When it becomes the primary focus of your day, it has taken too much of a toll on yourself. When you start getting snippy and irritable with others, or you’re sad and instantly tearful, you just have to take a moment. Just step back and really understand that it’s triggering you, it’s affecting you, and you have to deal with it,” Pannel explained.

Experts suggest taking deep breaths and walking outside but Pannel said the studies show that it’s not enough.

“The number one way to deal with these emotions is to talk about them. Communication is huge. Talk about it with family and friends. I know we can’t all be together physically — take out your phone, call them. FaceTime them. Really let them know what you’re feeling,” she said.

If that doesn’t work, Pannel said it is important to seek mental health help.

Ridgeland lifts sign ordinance restrictions to promote businesses effected by COVID-19

Ridgeland lifts sign ordinance restrictions amid Covid 19

By David Kenney | March 27, 2020 at 7:56 PM CDT – Updated March 27 at 7:56 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Wherever you go businesses are closed as the spread of Covid-19 threatens lives and the local economy.

What could the impacts be for our state as we slide into a recession?

State economist Darren Webb said in a tweet recently that they are still working on estimates of how large the impact from the recession will be.

There’s still several variables of how long this could last and when a recovery could start.

In the meantime, the City of Ridgeland is working to help what businesses are still open.

Mayor Gene McGee recently issued an executive order giving businesses temporary relief from certain zoning ordinance restrictions.

One of them allows restaurants and others to use large signs and banners to let the public know they’re still operational. The hope is that this will increase traffic and lessen the impact from Covid -19 related revenue losses.

Ridgeland Sign Ordinance (Source: David Kenney)

Amy Love Manager at Zea Rotisserie said, “They thought we were closed and once the signs came out we have them placed throughout the Renaissance once people saw that they started to come like I said the phones are still ringing off the hooks to see if we’re open at all to go or dine in.”

The city of Ridgeland is also allowing for the use of tents advertising curbside service.

At the Newk’s at the Township that appears to be working.

At lunchtime they had a steady flow of people picking up food.

Business owners tell me they appreciate the city’s help and the fact that they don’t have to go through the process of obtaining a permit to do it.

Seniors hold out hope COVID-19 won’t cancel graduation ceremonies

By Roslyn Anderson | March 27, 2020 at 7:24 PM CDT – Updated March 27 at 7:24 PM

CLINTON, Miss. (WLBT) – Commencement ceremonies across the state, nation and metro may not happen in a few weeks, dashing the dreams of senior and their families.

Two upcoming graduates are holding out hope that the Class of 2020 will be able to turn their tassels together.

Clinton High School senior Shelby Dean bought her prom dress in March and is still reeling from its cancellation.

Graduation, the culmination of 12 years of hard work could not happen in May for the senior class president and honor student.

“It would be like missing out on such an incredible life experience,” said Dean. “I feel like that’s kind of a really big part of growing up and transitioning into being an adult and not having that would be like missing such a big part of growing up”.

Germantown High School senior Lindsey Newman is remaining optimistic that she like many others will get to take part in the annual tradition.

The 17 year old honor student was supposed to order graduation invitations over spring break.

“We’re still excited. We know that graduation is in jeopardy of being postponed, but we’ll still have that ceremony whether it’s May 16th the original date or later in June or later in July,” said Newman.”We know it’s still gonna happen. We’re still gonna be celebrated as we planned”.

Both college bound seniors are hoping the Governor’s April 17th school closure order will be lifted, and they can walk in cap and gown to “Pomp and Circumstance” and receive their diplomas.

Patient at Vicksburg hospital tests positive for coronavirus; exposed staff asked to self-quarantine

By WLBT Digital | March 27, 2020 at 4:41 PM CDT – Updated March 27 at 4:41 PM

VICKSBURG, Miss. (WLBT) – A patient at KPC Promise Hospital Vicksburg, which is inside River Region Hospital, has tested positive for coronavirus.

The patient has been in the hospital for two months.

All staff who came in contact with the patient have been asked to self-quarantine with pay.

“As these types of cases will continue to increase… I want to reassure you that we are taking every possible measure to keep you and our community safe,” read a press release sent by KPC Healthcare.

The hospital says it has ceased almost all visitations in an effort to prevent potential community-based transmissions.

Coronavirus curfew violation leads to meth arrest in Vicksburg

By China Lee | March 27, 2020 at 4:16 PM CDT – Updated March 27 at 4:16 PM

VICKSBURG, Miss. (WLBT) – A man is now behind bars for meth possession after a traffic stop in Vicksburg.

It happened around 4 a.m. Friday on North Frontage Road.

Vicksburg police stopped the man for violation of curfew, which was put in place to combat the spread of coronavirus.

During the stop, officers found methamphetamine and Franklin Barrett, 53, of Crystal Springs was taken into custody.

Barrett was charged with one count of possession of meth and bound over to the Warren County Grand Jury on a $40,000 bond.

McComb police searching for suspect in string of business burglaries

By China Lee | March 27, 2020 at 2:52 PM CDT – Updated March 27 at 2:52 PM

MCCOMB, Miss. (WLBT) – The McComb Police Department is searching for a suspect wanted in several business burglaries.

This person is suspected of stealing from three businesses on Apache Drive in McComb on Wednesday.

The suspect was driving a grey or silver Lincoln LS four door car.

Anyone who may be able to identify the suspect should contact the McComb Police Investigations at 601-684-3023 or Crime Stoppers at 601-684-0033.

Civilian employee at NAS Meridian tests positive for COVID-19

No COVID-19 testing is currently being conducted onboard NAS Meridian.

By ShaCamree Gowdy | March 27, 2020 at 1:53 PM CDT – Updated March 27 at 1:53 PM

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WLBT/WTOK) – A civilian employee at the Naval Air Station’s Navy Exchange retail store has tested positive for novel coronavirus, according to NAS Meridian.

The employee is currently undergoing treatment in a local hospital where they were tested.

No COVID-19 testing is currently being conducted onboard NAS Meridian.

“The safety and well-being of our military members, civilian employees, contractors, family members, and retirees remains our top priority,” said Capt. Brian Horstman, commanding officer of NAS Meridian. “NAS Meridian will continue to provide military services to our tenant commands who are providing training to those who are needed for Fleet operations, while adhering to the CDC and Department of Defense guidelines for stopping the spread of COVID-19.”

NAS says the employee had minimal contact with others, but for precautions, the NEX main store and NEX Mini-Mart are closed for a deep cleaning procedure and store employees have been sent home.

In consultation with the State of Mississippi Public Health and Navy public health officials, it was deemed that a quarantine for additional personnel was not needed due to the lack of exposure to other NEX employees/associates or patrons.

Contact tracing performed by public health officials is also underway.

WATCH: TODAY host Hoda Kotb’s emotional response to interview with Drew Brees

By Jacob Gallant | March 27, 2020 at 11:23 AM CDT – Updated March 27 at 1:36 PM

(WLBT) – TODAY anchor Hoda Kotb was overwhelmed with emotion when interviewing Drew Brees on Friday morning.

The two were discussing the massive impact of COVID-19 on New Orleans, a place they both call home.

Brees, the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, announced he and his wife were donating $5 million to the state of Louisiana, one of the worst-hit places in America by the coronavirus. Overcome with emotion, she needed a moment to gather herself.

“Hoda, I know it’s a lot,” Savannah Guthrie said on the air. “Hoda, I’m so sorry, hon. Take a moment. It’s a lot. I know where your heart is, my dear, I do.”

Hoda’s reaction showed how vulnerable all Americans are now, and touched the hearts of many viewers who are feeling much of the same.

“You sort of look around for someone to hug just because.” Hoda reflects on the emotional moment she had after her interview with Drew Brees. pic.twitter.com/RWRXfrs6vF

— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) March 27, 2020

UMMC launches in-house COVID-19 testing

By Jacob Gallant | March 27, 2020 at 10:54 AM CDT – Updated March 27 at 12:38 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – University of Mississippi Medical Center is working to curb the spread of COVID-19.

UMMC’s scientists developed an in-house test that they’re now using.

This test allows them to increase capacity and availability for testing.

They’re also working to continue to develop further in-house options.

Dr. Tim Allen said the process to develop these tests usually takes four months, but their scientists accomplished it in about two weeks.

He says they’re able to do about 180 tests per day, but he’s more concerned with accurate testing.

“We have to make sure any test we do is as good as any other test in the world,” Allen said.

The center is increasing the availability of laboratory testing so more Mississippi infected with COVID-19 can be identified.

Miss. Supreme Court says courts must remain open while taking safety precautions

By China Lee | March 26, 2020 at 10:14 PM CDT – Updated March 27 at 11:58 AM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The Mississippi Supreme Court has ordered that courts must remain open for business while taking appropriate steps to protect public health and safety in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

Seven members of the Mississippi Supreme Court gathered in a large conference room on Thursday with two more participating via teleconference as the state’s highest court continued to deal with how to keep all courts open while protecting public health and safety.

On March 13 the Court issued seven emergency orders regarding court operations related to COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, and more orders are expected.

The March 13 first Emergency Administrative Order said, in part, “In compliance with the Constitution, all state courts – municipal, justice, county, chancery, circuit, and appellate courts – will remain open for business to ensure courts fulfill their constitutional and statutory duties. See Miss. Const. Art. 3, §§ 24, 25, 26, and 26A. Courts should continue normal business matters as much as possible.”

The Supreme Court in subsequent orders repeated the Constitutional requirement to keep courts open while taking steps to protect people and slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The order allows each court to decide for themselves how to proceed.

The Supreme Court has ordered that some proceedings cannot be delayed.

In Emergency Administrative Order 5 issued March 20 it states which in-person proceedings that must go forward without postponement:

Jury trials currently in progress.
Department of Child Protection Services emergency matters related to child protection.
Proceedings directly related to:
Protecting the constitutional rights of all persons;
Habeas corpus;
Emergency child-custody orders;
Relief from abuse and orders of protection;
Mandatory youth court detention hearings for youth held in custody;
Emergency mental-health orders;
Emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons;
Petitions for temporary injunctive relief;
Issues involving the COVID-19 public-health emergency;
Obtaining arrest and search warrants, and other proceedings required by law enforcement;
Ensuring the Mississippi Judiciary has met its constitutional requirements.
Any other emergency and time-sensitive matters, in the discretion of individual judges.

Local Headlines

No COVID-19 testing is currently being conducted onboard NAS Meridian.

Footer

Public File Info