Live coronavirus updates May 5: Record day for COVID-19 deaths in MS, 300+ new cases

As Mississippi begins reopening parks and restaurants, the state saw 330 new cases of coronvirus and 32 deaths — by far the largest one-day death toll to date.

The previous high number of deaths reported by Mississippi State Department of Health was 20 on May 1.

Mississippi now has 8,207 cases and 342 deaths since the pandemic began on March 11. Ten more people are hospitalized today, for a total of 452.

The health department reported 7 new cases on the Coast Tuesday and 2 deaths in Jackson County. Pearl River has 20 deaths, followed by 9 in Jackson County, 6 in Harrison County, 5 in Hancock County, 1 in George County and 0 in Stone County.

South Mississippi has a total of 743 cases and 41 deaths.

Cases by county:

• George — 14 (0 new for 5 days)
• Hancock — 68 (0 new for 3 days)
• Harrison — 186 (2 new)
• Jackson — 270 (3 new)
• Pearl River — 183 (2 new)
• Stone — 22 (0 new for 13 days)

The national numbers from the Centers for Disease Control today were the best in weeks. New cases increased by 19,138, the lowest daily increase since March 30. Additional deaths were 823, the first time since April 14 there were fewer than 1,000 deaths across the U.S. from coronavirus.

Totals now are 1,171,510 cases and 68,279 nationwide.

6:32

The Bay St. Louis City Council voted 6-0 Tuesday to rescind an April 28 vote to cut council members’ pay by 20 percent through the rest of the budget year.

The council claims that the reason for the change of mind is that the action is prohibited by state law.

2:03 p.m.

The state legislature will reconvene at 1 p.m. on Thursday to debate how best to help small businesses that are struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release.

Legislation establishing the program will set parameters and allocate funds to a state agency to administer.

“The backbone of our economy in Mississippi is our small businesses, and now they need our support,” Speaker of the House Philip Gunn said in a statement. “The two chambers will act together to provide relief as quickly as possible this week.”

11:15 a.m.

For those who are home cleaning their properties, Harrison County has been extended the burn ban until Tuesday, May 12, when Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan will reassess the burn ban.

9 a.m.

A survey of Mississippi business leaders and owners shows 88% of those who responded said the coronavirus has negatively impacted their operations, with 64 percent reporting revenue drops of up to 60 percent.

Nearly 45% said they are concerned about financial impact on operations and capital, decreased consumer confidence and spending, lower productivity and even going out of business.

The study also showed:

• 71% have placed restrictions on employees entering workplace
• 84% are restricting non-employees entering the workplace
• 49% said none of their employees can work remotely
• 37% reported receiving benefits from the stimulus program

The survey was conducted by Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Manufacturers Association and Mississippi Economic Development Council.

7 a.m.

Agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan and EIDL Advance programs. The Small Business Administration’s EIDL portal reopened as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. It provides additional funding for farmers, ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by COVID-19.

Monday Highlights

▪ Mississippi State Department of Health reported 327 new cases across the state on Monday, 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.

▪ 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.

▪ 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.

▪ Jackson County announced that it will open on Tuesday: Whispering Pines Golf Course, Horse arenas to individual riders only and Jackson-George Regional Library System (curbside/book drops services).

▪ Biloxi Mayor GIlich announced city parks would be open regular hours but only for individual recreation, such as jogging and walking — no organized sports, no playground equipment.

This story was originally published May 5, 2020 at 12:11 PM.