Update 2/16:
A majority of the state-run vaccination sites will remain closed on Wednesday due to the severe winter weather. Check out the following information from the MSDH:
All vaccination sites are closed for Wednesday, February 17 due to weather conditions except for appointments at Forrest, Harrison, Jackson and Jones county sites. Canceled appointments will automatically be rescheduled at the same time on a later date.
- Vaccination sites in Forrest, Harrison, Jackson and Jones counties will be open on Wednesday.
- Appointments at the Pike county vaccination site have been rescheduled for Thursday, February 18.
- Appointments at the Lawrence and Warren county vaccination sites have been rescheduled for Saturday, February 20.
- Appointments at the Hinds, Madison and Oktibbeha county vaccination sites have been rescheduled for Sunday, February 21.
- Appointments at the Panola county vaccination site have been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 23.
- Appointments at the Washington county vaccination site have been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 24.
- Appointments at the Lowndes county vaccination site have been rescheduled for Friday, February 26.
- Appointments at the Lauderdale, Lee, Neshoba and Rankin county vaccination sites have been rescheduled for Saturday, February 27.
- Appointments at the De Soto and Lafayette county vaccination sites have been rescheduled for Sunday, February 28.
You will be notified by phone, text or e-mail if your appointment has been rescheduled.
Update 2/15:
The winter weather has arrived and with it expected to stick around a little while longer, MSDH-run testing and vaccination sites will remain closed Tuesday with the exception of the Coast Coliseum site in Harrison County.
For those who had appointments scheduled, the MSDH website states “if we have to cancel your vaccination appointment because of weather, you will still be vaccinated. We will automatically reschedule your vaccination for the same time on a different day and send you notification about the change by phone, text or e-mail.”
Original Report:
With the arrival of severe winter weather across the state, the vaccination sites operated by the Mississippi State Department of Health will be closed on Monday.
We’re taking the precaution of closing all our drive-through COVID-19 testing locations tomorrow. We’ll return them to operation as soon as weather permits. Stay safe, keep warm, and drive with care. pic.twitter.com/Wb5PF5x2WX
— MS Dept of Health (@msdh) February 14, 2021
For those who had appointments scheduled, the MSDH website states “if we have to cancel your vaccination appointment because of weather, you will still be vaccinated. We will automatically reschedule your vaccination for the same time on a different day and send you notification about the change by phone, text or e-mail.”
The winter storm will continue to reach across the state through Wednesday with snow, ice and record-cold temperatures.
❄️ Significant Winter Storm expected for a large portion of the state beginning tonight into Mon.
🥶 Record Breaking Cold expected tonight through Wed.
🧊 Light Ice Accumulation expected today through this evening
✅ people
✅ pets
✅ plants
✅ pipes
✅ practice fire safety pic.twitter.com/fXUPqtNke0
— msema (@MSEMA) February 14, 2021
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
- Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Learn how to shut off water valves, in the case of a pipe bursting.
- Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees
Also, be sure to check on the elderly and those who may need assistance.
With icy road conditions expected, you should avoid travel if possible. If you must drive, the Department of Transportation provides the following tips:
- Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road.
- Slow down; should winter weather conditions become present, black ice can form.
- Allow more space between the vehicles around you.
- Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
- Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
- Stay alert.
