He took to social media to appeal to citizens to clean up their streets for at least 15 minutes per day, and to stop littering. My team members are all getting the virus. Espy asked for help on Facebook. “I’m asking you continue to wear your mask and practice social distancing. Please wash your hands.” Espy stated. Espy told Mississippi Today that he couldn’t release the number of people who had tested positive for the virus. Espy did confirm that there are currently 39 COVID-19-related employees. This includes individuals who have been tested positive, or are waiting for test results. There are approximately 138 people employed in the city. He did however say that the city is now a “red area” and a crisis. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health data, there were 798 confirmed cases in the county and 13 deaths. Mississippi Today reported that while the state’s COVID-19 daily case numbers were the lowest in over a month, the state’s positive test rate is still one of the highest in the country. The state department of public health issued an order to isolate individuals with COVID-19 last week. The order requires that infected individuals must remain at home for 14 consecutive days and isolate at home. Employers can approve an individual’s return 10 days after they have been tested or experienced symptoms. A person who refuses to follow the law could be subject to a $500 fine or six-month imprisonment. Clarksdale has not taken any other measures to protect city employees, except for the guidelines and state regulations. Espy stated that even though city workers are stretched to their limits, the city can still carry out its daily operations and functions. They are also looking to hire contractors to clean up the streets and demolish 75 homes that have been abandoned. Espy said, “At minimum once per week, I go outside in the community… clean up right here in my own neighbourhood and it takes approximately 15 minutes and that is why we need that type of help.” “Clean it up and bag it up before you throw it in the trash.”_x000D