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Finally, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has done what so many other governors throughout the nation did before him, issued a statewide stay-at-home order for all Mississippians.

To Reeves’ credit, however, 12 other state governors are continuing to hold out on issuing such an order.

Those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

As inconvenient as it is, the orders are need in order to stem the tide of new cases and to keep from overwhelming the hospitals with COVID-19 patients.

Reeves’ order takes effect at 5 p.m. today and lasts through 8 a.m. April 20 and a ban on evictions, while mandating the closure of movie theaters, beaches, bowling alleys, gyms and salons. Walking trails will remain open.

While the order is much-needed to help people understand the importance of social distancing in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, anyone who has been paying attention should know COVID-19 is nothing to take lightly.

The virus can affect anyone of any age and is easily spread from human to human. The more you keep to yourself and keep your distance from fellow human beings, the less likely you will be infected.

Thank you, Gov. Reeves for finally issuing the order.

Now, lets all do our part by following Reeves’ order.

Stay home!