Mississippi has second-highest number of new COVID-19 cases as Reeves relaxes more rules

The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 327 new cases across the state, the second-highest number of new cases to date, and 7 additional deaths.

The previous high was 397 new cases on May 1.

In South Mississippi there were 7 new cases — 3 in Harrison County and 4 in Pearl River County — and for the third straight day no additional deaths.

Mississippi now has 7,877 cases and 310 deaths.

South Mississippi has 736 cases and 39 deaths.

Totals for South Mississippi are:

George — 14 (0 new for fourth day)

Hancock —68 (0 new for second day)

Harrison — 184 (3 new)

Jackson —267 (0 new for fourth day)

Pearl River — 181 (4 new)

Stone — 2 (0 new for 12 days)

The Centers for Disease Control reports 29,763 new cases of coronavirus and 1,719 additional deaths. Totals now are 1,152,372 cases and 67,456 deaths nationwide.

5:53 p.m.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs urged Mississippians to follow all guidelines as in-house dining returns this week and restrictions on outdoor gatherings are loosened.

“As we go into expanding our ability to access the activities of daily living, it’s a good opportunity to make sure people are using our masks in public, use hand hygiene,” Dobbs said Monday. “When you go to the store, just send one person, not the whole family. We still have a lot of COVID cases. If we collectively make safe decisions, you not only protect friends and family, you help us get out of this much more quickly. It’s a little selfish to not wear a mask or follow guidelines in public.”

4:20 p.m.

Hancock County Supervisors issued an order reopening all piers that are owned or controlled by the county. The County owned restrooms and pavilions adjacent to the beach, marinas and piers remain closed until further order of the supervisors.

4 p.m.

Hancock County Justice Court will have court starting tomorrow, May 5. Arraignments will start at 9 a.m. and trials start at 1 p.m. Everyone should wear face masks.

2:40 p.m.

Jackson County announced that opening Tuesday, May 5, are:

• Whispering Pines Golf Course
• Horse arenas to individual riders only
• Jackson-George Regional Library System (curbside/book drops services). Patrons should call their branch library and allow 24 hours for materials, which will be sanitized before pick up. Curbside service is available 12:30-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 12:30 to 6 p.m. and from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Friday at all JGRLS locations.
• The landfill will be open from 7 a.m.-noon., Monday-Friday. Drivers must remain in vehicle until at worksite area, limited number of vehicles allowed in at once

2:30 p.m.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced at his daily press conference that restaurant dining rooms will be able to open with restrictions, and outdoor groups of up to 20 people are allowed.

2:30 p.m.

Biloxi Mayor GIlich announced “city parks would be open at their regular hours, but, in compliance with the governor’s Safer at Home order, only for individual recreation, such as jogging, walking, etc. No organized sports, no playground equipment, or other activities.”

11:30 a.m.

Gov. Tate Reeves tweets: “Today at 2:30, we will announce some additional steps to continue reopening Mississippi safely. We all need some good news, even if we can’t get back to 100% normal right away. I hope you’ll join us.”

10 a.m.

Children ages 18 and younger can receive free meals through Feeding the Gulf Coast at the Kroc Center, 575 Division St., Biloxi, from noon-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, and at Vidalia Community Mission, 13780 Vidalia Rd., Pass Christian, noon-1 p.m. Monday-Friday. Children must be present to receive the meals. Details: feedingthegulfcoast.org or 888-704-FOOD.

9:15 a.m.

As of May 3, funding for round two of the Payroll Protection Program in Mississippi has resulted in 16,757 loans approved for more than $658 million.

Nationwide the average loan size in round two is $79,000.

8 a.m.

Secretary of State Michael Watson will honor graduates across Mississippi during a virtual commencement address on Facebook Live at 4 p.m. today. The event is a part of Salute to Seniors, Watson’s digital celebration for 2020 graduates. He also will spotlight a group of high-achieving seniors.

7 a.m.

Singing River Health Systems reported 0 new coronavirus cases Saturday and 2 on Sunday. “Not bad but we need a few zero-days in a row,” said CEO Lee Bond.

Highlights from Sunday:

▪ Mississippi State Department of Health reported 109 new coronavirus and 12 news deaths. In the lower six counties in South Mississippi, with one new case each reported in Hancock and Pearl River counties. Statewide, MSDH reports 7,550 cases and 303 deaths.

▪ The new deaths reported Sunday occurred in Attala, Calhoun, Carroll, Forest, Grenada, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Madison, Rankin, Scott and Yazoo counties.

▪ An employee in healthcare administration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home tested positive for COVID-19

This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 3:03 PM.