Live coronavirus updates for April 24: South Mississippi reports 2 more deaths
Two additional deaths were reported today in Pearl River County, raising the death toll from coronavirus in South Mississippi to 31.
Today’s report from the Mississippi Health Department shows 281 new cases and 8 deaths statewide. That compares to 259 cases and 8 deaths on Thursday.
There have been 209 deaths in Mississippi.
Total cases now stand at 5,434 in the state and 625 in South Mississippi. MSDH says the number of people hospitalized has risen to 401.
South Mississippi has 16 new cases today compared to 17 new on Thursday. After holding at 10 cases for six days, George County has 1 more case today.
Total cases in South Mississippi are:
George — 11 (1 new)
Hancock — 56 (1 new)
Harrison — 152 (5 new)
Jackson — 235 (7 new)
Pearl River — 144 (2 new)
Stone — 22 (0 new)
The Centers for Disease Control on Friday reported a greater increase in the number of cases and deaths. Cases increased by 37,144, up from 25,858 on Thursday. The number of additional deaths was 2,437 compared to 1,804 on Thursday.
Totals nationwide are 865,585, with 48,816, according to the CDC.
5:43 p.m.
Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes announced that his city will follow Gov. Tate Reeves’ “Safer At Home” order and allow retail stores to open at 8 a.m. Monday, with one exception.
Instead of allowing retail stores to allow 50 percent of their usual capacity into the store, Gulfport will limit that to 20 percent.
Hewes encouraged Gulfport residents to continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
2 p.m.
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service today reported 88 million people received $158 billion in Economic Impact Payments in the first three weeks
In Mississippi 804,317 payments were made totaling $1.5 billion.
Payments are automatic for people who filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries who didn’t file a tax return in the last two years.
1 p.m.
Another 35,843 people in Mississippi filed first time unemployment claims for the week of April 18, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That compares to 45,748 first time claims for April 11.
In the six counties of South Mississippi, 30,098 first time unemployment claims have been filed since the week ending March 21. Mississippi Department of Employment Security reports 5,865 new claims in South Mississippi last week.
Totals new claims in each county since March 21 are:
George — 738
Hancock — 2,479
Harrison — 15,708
Jackson — 8,999
Pearl River — 1,513
Stone — 661
12:45 p.m.
After two days without any new cases of coronavirus, Ingalls Shipbuilding today said an employee at LPD 29 has tested positive. The employee’s last day in the yard was April 17. The Pascagoula shipyard now has 27 cases and 12 employees who are cleared to return to work.
11 a.m.
Gov. Tate Reeves today delayed the expiration of all valid drivers licenses, intermediate licenses, learners permits, firearm permits, security guard permits and ID cards. Those that were set to expire between March 14 and June 30 now are extended through Aug. 3.
Licenses can be renewed or changes to address can be made online at dps.ms.gov and driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov.
9 a.m.
Bay St. Louis has lifted its burn ban, but the city is only issuing Class I burning permits for leaves, trimmings, limbs and piles not to exceed 6 feet in diameter or 4 feet in height.
Permits will be issued by phone at 228-467-4736, while employees stay safe during this COVID-19 pandemic, said Fire Chief Monty Strong.
8 a.m.
With Mississippi facing multiple challenges, the Community Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund has been created as a state-wide pooled fund to respond to disasters, including COVID-19.
“In Mississippi, there has been historic flooding, historic tornadoes, historic pandemic and a historic surge in unemployment,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. He asked those who have the ability to donate to this fund that he said will push help to the hardest-hit areas quickly and efficiently.
To donate, go to www.formississippi.org or text DONATE to 601-258-6502.
7 a.m.
Singing River Health System reported Thursday night 3 new positive cases of coronavirus and 2 coronavirus patients released from the hospital. Total positives are less than 10% of those tested, with 201 total positives out of 2,201 tested.
Thursday highlights
▪ Gov. Tate Reeves faced questions Thursday during his daily press conference about the frustrations that many Mississippians are experiencing as they try to apply for unemployment benefits.
Many complaints have involved a call line and applicants struggling to get through.
“I’m sorry that has happened if it has happened,” Reeves said. “I feel certain that it has. The demand is overwhelming. We went from less than 1,000 up to 45,000 new claims last week. We did have a down tick. The numbers that came out today showed approximately 35,000 new people got online and were successful in filing unemployment insurance. We’re continuing to ramp up the number of people.”
▪ Biloxi School District announced that graduation will be divided into about 9 sessions, with 40 students graduating per session on May 18, 19 and 20.
The ceremonies will be in the Biloxi High School Sports Arena, where the district says 40 families can be spaced out in the bleachers. Graduates will be spaced out in seating on the arena floor.
▪ C Spire is providing free, high-speed WiFi internet in the parking lot of its company retail store in Gulfport so students can access online education content from their cars.
The store is at 9277 U.S. 49 and the WiFi is available during normal business hours. The service also is available in 16 other markets, including the D’Iberville store at The Promenade.
This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 10:34 AM.