Jackson County Service Availability (COVID-19)

(updated 3/18/2020)

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The Jackson County Board of Supervisors, along with the Office of Emergency Services, and County Administrator office, are working closely with other cities and health related agencies within the County and State to make the best decisions regarding necessary precautions and future actions based on current information.

It is extremely important that everyone follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the MS Department of Health to reduce the chances of transmitting the virus.

Beginning Thursday, March 19, the County will begin operating with limited staffing by utilizing flexible schedules in an effort to minimize the interaction and risk of transmitting COVID -19 between employees and members of the public. Specific schedules are outlined below for County offices that are open to the public. Many of our offices, including those not listed below, are only being handled via phone or email so individuals are encouraged to call the office they are trying to reach.

We are continuing to take steps to keep our facilities clean and limit person-to-person contact as much as possible in an effort to keep everyone safe. 

• Door handles, railings, work stations, public counters, and bathrooms are being sanitized more frequently
• Hand sanitizing stations or dispensers are located throughout our facilities
• County employees are encouraged to stay home if they are sick or have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• County employees who have travel plans, especially if public transportation is required or large crowds will be involved, are being asked to postpone their plans when possible
• Posters reminding individuals of proper precautions will be posted at our facilities
• A COVID-19 Informational Webpage link is posted on our website that will be updated as decisions are made

The County is also asking residents to help us in these efforts by doing the following:

• If you are sick with any flu like symptoms, please stay home
• Residents are strongly discouraged from social gatherings of 10 or more people
• Limit unnecessary trips to County facilities that are allowing face to face transactions
• If something CAN wait until a later date, please avoid visiting one of our facilities in person
• If your County business can be taken care of via phone, email, or through our website www.co.jackson.ms.us, please utilize those options
• Minimize the number of individuals from your party who enter our facilities
  – leave children, elderly, and individuals who have compromised immune systems at home
• Practice social distancing by remaining at least 6’ away from others
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and continue washing your hands frequently
• Limit what you touch including counters, door handles, your face, etc.

Along with following the above protocol, the following Departments are making specific cancellations, changes, or requests:

Animal Shelter – PLEASE VIEW ADOPTABLE ANIMALS ONLINE FIRST

We are going to do what we can to allow individuals to keep adopting animals as long as we possibly can, however, in order to do so, we need the cooperation of the public. Please understand that the following steps are being taken and asked of the public in order to save the lives of animals while limiting the potential for exposure of COVID-19 to our employees, their families, and other visitors:

• https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/165/Pet-Adoptions to view adoptable animals
• The Shelter is no longer accepting owner surrenders
• Animal Control Officers have been asked to restrict intake to bite cases and aggressive animal calls only
• The number of visitors in the shelter will be limited to 10 or less at a time and they will be greeted by staff at the gate who will assist them
• The staff will be restricting the number of individuals from a party who enter the building as well as the length of time spent there
• Only come to the shelter if you are serious about adopting a pet that you have seen online OR to reclaim your pet – not to hang out while out of school and work
• Limit the number of people in your party if you do come

Courts –
If you have a case pending and have an attorney, contact your attorney for updates regarding changes to court dates. Otherwise, please contact the relevant court if you have not already been contacted.

• Circuit Court – 288-769-3040
• Justice – 228-769-3080
• County Court – 228-769-3037
• Chancery Court – 228-769-3453
• Youth Court – 228-769-3076

Community Centers – https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/247/Community-Centers

• Fairground and Community Center events scheduled through April 20, 2020 are being rescheduled or cancelled – event organizers will be contacted

Chancery Offices (Chancery Court, Land Records, Archives)

• Currently remaining open for necessary business but foot traffic is discouraged
• As always, Land Records transactions and inquiries can be handled through the County’s website, mail or by calling 228-769-3131.

 Recreation Facilities – Email recreation@co.jackson.ms.us

• All County athletic facilities are closed including the bathrooms beginning March 17, 2020 until TBD
• All County Parks and Playgrounds are closed to the public through April 20, 2020

• Boat Launches will remain open for now

Whispering Pines Golf Course 

• The Golf Course and Clubhouse are closed to the public through April 20, 2020

Veterans Affairs – 228-769-3075

• The office is closed, however you can still contact by phone

Adult Detention Services

• No on-site visitors or classes are being allowed

 Circuit Clerk

• Currently remaining open for necessary business but foot traffic is discouraged

(Tax) Assessor’s Office

• Both offices (Pascagoula and Ocean Springs) will remain open with reduced staff
• Will only be handling homestead exemption applications in person
• All other services can be handled by phone, email, or website
• Closing Ocean Springs Office from 12-1 p.m. each day for lunch

Tax Collector’s Office (see attached flyer below)

• Both offices (Pascagoula and Ocean Springs) will remain open with reduced staff
• Will only be handling New Vehicle and Mobile Home Registrations in person
• All other services can be handled/paid online, via phone, mail or using dropbox (under Pascagoula facility)
• Closing both offices from 12-1 p.m. each day for lunch

Garbage and Recycling

• Will continue on regular schedules

 As a reminder, individuals can sign up to get updated notifications and news release by visiting www.co.jackson.ms.us

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