Live updates: Mississippi has biggest increase in coronavirus deaths so far on April 11

Noon

Mississippians eligible under the Unemployment Insurance program will begin seeing the $600 stimulus funding deposited on either their debit cards or into their bank accounts, according to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

This additional $600 per week stimulus is one of three expanded funding programs from the U.S. Department of Labor that will distribute federal unemployment aid to Mississippians under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act intended to boost jobless benefits for residents in the state and around the country.

To file a claim, filing online is advised. The department says if you must call the number is 1-888-844-3577 or contact a local WIN Job Center by phone or email only. All information can be found on the department’s website.

10 a.m.

The Mississippi State Department of Health reported 11 new deaths, with 93 total deaths statewide from COVID-19.

It’s the biggest daily increase for deaths, and three are in South Mississippi. Harrison County reported one new death and Pearl River had two.

The state also reported 173 new positive cases, which brings the total to 2,642 cases. There are now 382 cases in the lower six counties and 21 deaths.

Total cases by South Mississippi county are:

George — 7 (0 new)

Hancock — 38 (1 new)

Harrison — 107 (8 new)

Jackson — 139 (4 new)

Pearl River — 82 (5 new)

Stone — 9 (4 new)

The state has tested 20,370 people, which is less than 1% of the population.

9 a.m.

There is an enhanced risk of severe weather for all of South Mississippi on Easter Sunday.

There is a chance of strong tornadoes, winds over 60 mph and hail over 2 inch in diameter, the National Weather Service warns.

The strongest weather is likely to be on the Coast in the afternoon and evening hours.

The weather service has five risk levels, from slight to high chance of severe weather. Most threats on the Coast usually fall under the first or second threat levels, but Sunday’s is the third, enhanced threat level. The Hattiesburg area and north of there is under the second-highest, moderate threat level.

There is a wind advisory and coastal flood advisory through Sunday night.

Highlights from Friday:

▪ The State Health Department reported 209 more positive coronavirus cases and 6 additional deaths. The statewide total stood at 2,469 COVID-19 cases with 82 deaths.

Test numbers do not reflect the true spread of the virus, however, because less than 1% of the population has been tested, Health Department numbers indicate.

In South Mississippi, 22 people tested positive for the coronavirus by Thursday evening, bringing the total to 360. South Mississippi’s six counties have recorded 18 deaths.

▪ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a one-day increase in coronavirus cases of 31,705, with an additional 1,874 deaths. The total for the U.S is 459,165 cases and 16,570 deaths.

▪ Gov. Tate Reeves and state health officials said Mississippi’s peak for COVID-19 cases is coming, but the state is prepared with enough hospital beds and ventilators, plus contingency plans to add more beds if needed.

▪ Coastal Family Health Center is offering free drive-thru testing from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following times and locations, with prescreening to determine whether criteria for testing are met:

• Mosaic Church, 2016 Bienville Blvd. (U.S. 90), Monday-Thursday, Ocean Springs
• Historic Train Depot, 1928 Depot Way, Wednesday, Bay St. Louis
• Goodwill store, Tuesday and Friday, 12100 Hwy 49 North, Gulfport

This story was originally published April 11, 2020 at 10:34 AM.