(Newser)
– “Take your photos, friends”, Governor of Mississippi, Tate Reeves tweeted Monday. “And let’s get back to normal!” With that, the state is removing restrictions on who can vaccinate against the coronavirus, starting this Tuesday. Mississippi was already allowing anyone aged 50 or over to schedule an appointment, the New York Times reports, and Reeves suggested that people in that category sign up quickly. In his speech to the nation last week, President Biden told states that he wants vaccines to be open to everyone by May 1. Alaska has also passed that date, allowing everyone living or working in the state to get vaccines. Michigan said it will open on April 5.
About 20% of Mississippi residents received at least one dose of the vaccine and 11% received two; the state supply is made up of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, as Oxford Eagle, which require a second shot. These numbers are higher than most Mississippi neighbors, but lower than most other states, according to the Times. Reeves, a Republican, has already removed the mandate from the state mask, which Biden called a mistake. The governor also allowed companies to return to full capacity, via WAPT. The president called in his speech to “follow the rules” in an effort to limit the virus. (European nations suspended the use of a vaccine on Monday.)