Mississippi was one of 18 states considered in the “red zone” due to rapid coronavirus spread as reported in an unpublished document created for the White House’s coronavirus task force.

The report suggests the 18 states should add back restrictions to help curb the spread of the virus.

In addition to Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

The report defines a “red zone” as areas in which the prior week’s new cases were above 100 per 100,000 population and a test positivity rating of more than 10 percent.

Mississippi’s rate of new cases was 165 per 100,000 residents and the test positivity rate was 14%.

The report suggested that officials close bars and gyms in affected areas and that face masks be required for anyone outside the home.

To read a section of the report regarding Mississippi visit here.