As a precautionary and proactive move, MSCPA sent Governor Reeves a letter March 21, requesting accounting services be designated as an essential service if an order to shelter-in-place is issued. CPAs and accountants are included in the Department of Homeland Security Critical Infrastructure, noting their GUIDANCE ON THE 16 ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKFORCE, where they cite the Financial Services Sector as one of these essential services.

Governor Reeves signed executive order 1463 on March 24, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order stated, “Essential Business or Operation means professional services including accounting services.”

On April 1, Governor Tate Reeves signed a new executive order establishing a statewide shelter-in-place for Mississippi to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of all who call our state home. The shelter-in-place began Friday, April 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM and will be in effect until Monday, April 20, 2020 at 8:00 AM.

All nonessential businesses are to stop all activities other than those necessary for minimum operations (e.g. payroll, health insurance, security) and enabling employees to work from home. People may leave their homes only to perform essential activities, such as caring for someone in the vulnerable population, getting food or necessary supplies, and working for an essential business.

The definition of essential businesses remains the same as defined previously in Executive Order 1463.

These are indeed trying times for the profession. We are trying our best to keep our members informed and are working diligently on matters affecting us all.