Mississippi Republican Governor. Tate Reeves gives a televised speech before signing a bill to retire the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag. This was done during a ceremony at Jackson's Governor's Mansion on June 30, 2020. ROGELIO V.SOLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves stated that people in Mississippi are "less afraid" of COVID-19.
He said, "When you think that life on earth is just a blur on the screen, then there's no need to be scared."
The state's new wave of infections is causing health services to struggle.
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Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said Saturday that Mississippians were "less afraid" of COVID-19 as they believe in "eternal Life". As new infections rise to record levels, hospitalizations spike.
Reeves spoke at a gathering state Republicans at a fundraiser in Eads last Thursday, according to the Daily Memphian.
Reeves stated, "Some of my friends are often asking me about COVID. And why does it seem that folks in Mississippi and possibly in the Mid-South seem a bit less scared.
He said, "When you believe you will live forever - when your existence on earth is just a blur on the screen, then there's no need to be scared."
Reeves continued, saying that God also commands us to take the necessary precautions. We all have the ability and opportunities to do this and should do it. I encourage everyone to do so."
According to The New York Times analysis, Mississippi had more COVID-19 new cases per capita than any other State, with approximately 127 new cases for every 100,000 people.
According to data from the Department of Health and Human Services, Mississippi's epidemic of infections has left the state's health services in crisis. 93% of ICU beds are in use and 63% of them are occupied by COVID-19 patients.
According to data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37% of the state's population is fully vaccinated.
Reeves has repeatedly criticized the efforts of public health officials to stop the spread of the pandemic. He has also declined to issue a mandate for schools to use masks to prevent the spread of the disease, which is rapidly spreading.
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Reeves claimed that the CDC had issued new guidelines in July allowing those who were fully vaccinated to use a mask indoors to reduce transmission.
According to the Associated Press, Reeves said that it reeks "of political panic so that they appear in control".
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