Live updates for April 18: George County has first death from coronavirus

Three deaths from coronavirus were reported in South Mississippi today, including the first one in George County since the pandemic began and two more in Pearl River County.

There are now 27 confirmed coronavirus-related deaths in South Mississippi and 152 deaths in the state, up 12 since yesterday.

Saturday’s report from the Mississippi Department of Health shows 17 new cases in South Mississippi. That compares to 15 new cases Thursday, 24 on Wednesday, 44 on Tuesday and 35 on Monday. Total cases are 541 compared to 382 a week ago.

Total cases across the state now stands at 3,974 with the addition of 181 more cases in Saturday’s report. A week ago there were 2,642 cases.

Totals across South Mississippi are:

George — 10 (1 new)

Hancock — 50 (0 new)

Harrison — 144 (7 new)

Jackson — 201 (5 new)

Pearl River — 119 (4 new)

Stone — 17 (0 new)

12:50 p.m.

After a huge jump in coronavirus deaths across the nation on Friday, the number of additional deaths fell dramatically on Saturday and new cases also dropped.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were 29,002 cases added nationwide and 2,394 deaths. That compares to 29,164 new cases and 6,037 deaths on Friday.

The U.S. total now is 690,714 cases and 35,443 deaths since the pandemic began.

11:30 a.m.

Bay St. Louis Mayor Michael Favre has joined other Coast cities in extending the coronavirus curfew indefinitely. The curfew runs from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.

8:20 a.m.

Coastal Family Health Center will have coronavirus testing centers across South Mississippi next week from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The schedule is:

• Monday and Thursday — Jackson County at Mosaic Church parking lot, 2226 Bienville, Blvd., Ocean Springs
• Tuesday and Friday — Harrison County at Goodwill parking lot, 2407 31^st St., Gulfport.
• Wednesday — Hancock County at the Depot, 1928 Depot Way, Bay St. Louis

8 a.m.

Ingalls Shipbuilding reports an employee at LPD 28, whose last day in the yard was April 14, has tested positive for coronavirus. That brings the total to 20. Ingalls will begin screening shipbuilders, customers and vendors with a non-contact thermometer before they enter the facility.

Stennis Space Center also reported an additional case of coronavirus, bringing the total to 11.

7 a.m.

Singing River Health Systems reports only 2 positive results over the last day, bringing total positives for COVID-19 to 180 in 40 days of testing.

Highlights from Friday:

• Gov. Tate Reeves extended shelter-in-place orders in Mississippi for another week, but the order will allow beaches and lakes to open and non-essential retail businesses that offer curbside service or pickup.
• The Mississippi State Department of Health reported 169 new coronavirus cases and 11 new deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 3,793 and 140 deaths statewide. Of those, 524 cases were in South Mississippi along with 24 deaths.
• An additional 7,406 people filed for unemployment in the six southern-most counties in South Mississippi, bringing the total number of unemployment claims since March 24 to 24,233.
• Ingalls Shipbuilding reported 2 more employees tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total to 19 cases.
• Singing River Health System reported six more cases of coronavirus, bringing the total of 178 out of the 1,758 tested performed. Of those who tested positive, 7 have died, 161 are recovering at home and 10 are hospitalized..

This story was originally published April 18, 2020 at 12:00 PM.