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Jones County Chamber’s Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

General Info & Guidelines

The Jones County Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing our local community and future visitors with the most current and relevant information available pertaining to COVID-19. If you have questions about the resources listed below or suggestions for new information to add, please reach out to our Chamber team. We hope you all stay safe!
(601) 335-4828 or amandar@edajones.com

LATEST STATE MANDATES:
Gov. Reeves Ends Mask Mandate, COVID-19 Business Restrictions

Mississippians are encouraged, though not ordered, to continue to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. K-12 schools still require a mask where social distancing is not possible. Seating for K-12 extracurricular activities at outdoor venues is now set at 50% capacity and 25% maximum seating capacity inside. Seating capacity for indoor bowl and arena seating is now increased to 50%.

 

General Information & Resources:

Vaccination Information

COVID-19 Vaccine Available to All Mississippi Residents Beginning March 16

All Mississippi residents aged 16 and over are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine beginning Tuesday, March 16.  People eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine can make an appointment at COVIDvaccine.umc.edu or by calling the COVID-19 call center at 1-877-978-6453.

Business Resources

State & National Resources

Jones County Tourisum & Attractions

 

 

 

 

Visit Laurel & Jones County COVID-19 FAQs

  • Are businesses in Laurel and Jones County open for visitors?
    • All businesses in Mississippi are now allowed to reopen. Most of the stores and restaurants in Laurel and Jones County have reopened and are welcoming visitors. Please check the individual Facebook pages and websites for current hours and updates. A list of open attractions is below.
  • Is it safe to travel to Laurel and Jones County?
    • Our merchants and owners are taking precautions to keep their employees and customers safe, however the decision to travel is your personal decision based on your risk factors and vulnerabilities. If you have come into contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, we recommend that you reschedule your visit. Visit the Mississippi Department of Health’s website for current case numbers and to view Jones County specific current data, msdh.ms.gov, to help you make a decision that is in your personal best interest.
  • Home Town questions
    • Can we meet Erin and Ben Napier? Erin and Ben are active members of our community and can sometimes be spotted out and about carrying out their normal activities. There are times when they pop in to the Laurel Mercantile or the woodshop at the Scotsman General Store. However, they have asked that you please refrain from taking photos with them, as they are following strict social distancing guidelines to protect the Home Town crew and production.
    • Can I have a map of the houses feature on the show? There is not a map available of the houses renovated on Home Town because these are private residences and the homeowners’ privacy should be respected. What we recommend is to visit the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art and pick up a Historic Walking Tour Map. This map will take you throughout the beautiful historic district and you will see and learn more about the homes built in the early 1900’s and so much more about Laurel’s history. If you are familiar with the homes on Home Town, you will be able to spot some along your route while enjoying the walking tour.
    • Will Ben & Erin renovate a house for me? If you are interested in working with Ben & Erin on a home, the first step is to contact the casting team with RTR Media, the show’s production company. Because of the length of the filming schedule and their other ventures, Ben and Erin do no renovate homes outside of the families cast on the show.
    • Please also refer to this article from Laurel Main Street pertaining to respecting the privacy of homes and homeowners featured on Home Town.
  • What hotel should I stay in?
    • We have a number of national hotel brands in Jones County. You can view a list on the Where to Stay tab on visitjones.com. The hotels may have adjusted services and amenities now, so please call them for the specific changes at the property. There are also two traditional bed & breakfasts in downtown Laurel, The Grandiflora  and The Wisteria, in addition to many properties available on Air BNB.
  • How do I set up a group tour?
    • Contact the Tourism Department at the Jones County Chamber of Commerce to learn more about attractions, restaurants and events best suited for groups of all sizes. 601-335-4828 or amandar@edajones.com.
  • How do I stay up to date with where to Eat, Shop, Stay and Play in Laurel and Jones County?
  • I would like to request an information packet to be mailed to me.
    • Great, we are glad you are interested in visiting us! We can mail a tourism packet to you at no charge. E-mail your name and address to info@edajones.com.

Attraction Updates (as of 10/1/20)

MS Dept. Employment Security & Unemployment

MDES Introduces ReStart Mississippi Online Reporting System

ReStart MS provides employers with information on employees presently filing or who have previously filed for Unemployment Insurance benefits. Utilizing this system will aid in the prevention of improper unemployment payments and assist in getting the workforce back to work sooner.

ReStart MS allows employers to report:

  • Rehires
  • Refusal of Work
  • Inability to Locate
  • Potential Fraudulent / ID Theft Claims

ReStart Mississippi Reporting Details

Mississippi Department of Employment Security: How to file unemployment claims
MDES announced that Mississippi workers who are not able to work due to COVID-19 are eligible to file for unemployment benefits. Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor and Governor Tate Reeves, MDES is modifying existing unemployment compensation rules to include:

  • Those who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency,
  • Those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employers due to COVID-19 concerns,
  • Those who are diagnosed with COVID-19,
  • Or, those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • Website  |  Facebook  |  File a Claim

Updates from Local Government, Schools & Services

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

MSEMA Resources |  MEMA FAQ  |  Covid-19 Testing Sites

Jones County Emergency Operations Center

Updates on Jones County government agencies, departments and services.
Facebook Page | Modified Operations & Updates

  • General Info & Guidelines
  • Vaccination Information
  • Business Resources
  • Jones County Tourisum & Attractions
  • MS Dept. Employment Security & Unemployment
  • Updates from Local Government, Schools & Services