Live updates May 12: Now more than 50 deaths in South MS as COVID-19 cases rise statewide

Today’s report from the Mississippi State Department of Health shows a jump in the number of cases and deaths in the state, with 234 new cases and 22 new deaths.

One of the deaths today was in Pearl River County, bringing the total there to 25.

Seven of the deaths were from the review of death certificate reports from April 25 to May 3. Two of them were in Jackson County, which now has 13 deaths. Total deaths in the six counties of South Mississippi stands at 55.

Harrison County was the only county to see an increase in cases, with 3 new cases in the last day. The number of cases in Stone County was reduced by 1, putting cases in South Mississippi to 779.

The Health Department said 16 new cases in the state are in long term care facilities.

The number of those hospitalized statewide rose to 450.

Total and new cases in South Mississippi are:

George — 15 (0 new for seven days)

Hancock — 74 (0 new for three days)

Harrison — 201 (3 new)

Jackson — 276 (0 new for two days)

Pearl River — 190 (0 new for two days)

Stone — 23 (0 new)

3:20 p.m.

For those cleaning their yards while “Safer at Home,” Fire Chief Pat Sullivan has lifted the burn ban for Harrison County. Sullivan strongly encourages anyone who burns to use extreme caution.

2:55 p.m.

Gov. Tate Reeves said he wasn’t aware that Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has decided to reopen casinos. Reeves said he wouldn’t make any decision about Mississippi casinos based on an action by another state.

Reeves said reopening Mississippi’s casinos by Memorial Day always has been the focus, and he said to expect an announcement soon on when casinos will reopen.

2:52 p.m.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced Tuesday additional social distancing measures for seven counties identified as problem areas for the COVID-19 pandemic in Mississippi. The seven counties are Attala, Leake, Scott, Jasper, Neshoba, Newton and Lauderdale.

Reeves signed a new executive order Tuesday that establishes additional restrictions for those seven counties to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“I hope that these rules will have an impact, but I also hope that they will serve as a signal to people in these counties. We cannot always see and feel the consequences, but the disease is more active there. You need to be even more aware—stay even more sharp,” he said.

The sanitation and social distancing protocols include:

For all businesses

▪ All businesses are expected to take every step necessary to implement the regulations, orders, and guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing and encouraging sick employees to stay home.

▪ All employees will be screened daily at the beginning of their shifts, including asking whether they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have they had a fever in the last 48 hours.

▪ Based on their duties and responsibilities, employees who are unable to maintain at least 6 feet distance from others must wear a face covering throughout their shift, such as a face mask. Their face coverings must be cleaned or replaced daily.

▪ Hand sanitizer must be provided to all employees, which can include a hand rub or soap.

For retail businesses (in addition to measures above)

▪ Face coverings must be provided to all employees who come in direct contact with customers. Employees are required to wear that face covering throughout their shift and clean or replace daily.

▪ All customers must wear a face covering while inside the retail business.

▪ Hand sanitizer must be placed at all entrances, in or near bathrooms, and at cashier stations.

▪ Retail businesses are expected to make all efforts to maintain a 6-foot distance between customers at all times.

▪ Carts, baskets, and other similar surfaces touched by customers must be sanitized after each use. Other high-touch areas must be sanitized at least once every two hours.

For people out in public

▪ Everyone must wear face coverings when attending outdoor public events, such as live auctions or flea markets.

▪ People must maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and others.

12:50 p.m.

Ingalls Shipbuilding reports 0 new cases today for 9 out of the last 12 days with no cases.

The company that has remained open as an essential business building ships for the U.S. military will hold a drive in hiring event May 22. From 9 a.m. to noon, job seekers can go to Singing River Island in Pascagoula and apply for, interview and potentially receive a job offer without leaving their vehicle.

Pre-register here.

1:15 p.m.

Jackson County School District Superintendent John Strycker reports that in areas where students are without internet or device access, they are still finding a way to do school work.

“At St. Martin Upper Elementary, for instance, only 56% of students have home internet/device access, yet over 70% of these students are reported as using the i-Ready program over the past two months,” he said.

Students have spent an average of 3.5 hours on instruction, he said, the passing rate of the tasks being performed is 75% of students passing in reading tasks and 86% of students passing in math.

10:40 a.m.

Mississippi Public Service Commission voted Tuesday to extend the previous order temporarily suspending disconnections of certain utility services until May 26. The restriction applies to all water, sewer, electricity and gas services.

This is an extension of disconnection, but the commission said in a press release that utility customers should continue to pay outstanding bills and pay for services provided. Those having trouble paying utility bills should contact their provider about a payment plan.

Chairman Dane Maxwell said, “There are residents of Mississippi who are still being hit hard by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, so we want to give them some time to get caught up on their bills.”

7 a.m.

Singing River Health System CEO Lee Bond reports that after a great trend of 0 or 1 new case over the last week, Sunday brought 4 positive cases.

“One day does not make a trend, but we need to remain diligent in preaching safety to our community,” he said.

Monday highlights

▪ The Mississippi State Department of Health reported fewer than 200 new coronavirus cases and 10 deaths for the second day in a row. On Monday, there were 123 new COVID-19 cases and 9 new deaths reported across the state. On the Coast, there was one new case each in Jackson and Pearl River counties. There were no new deaths.

▪ Jackson County Board of Supervisors voted Monday to reopen the county’s public parks from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. beginning May 12. Those who use the parks should practice social distancing and use hand sanitizer.

▪ While urging Mississippians to return to work if they have the opportunity, Gov. Tate Reeves signed a new executive order Monday that extends unemployment benefits for workers still feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the new order, the governor is waiving the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment benefits for claims filed between March 8 and December 26. That waiver was set to expire on June 27 under the previous order.

▪ The Moss Point Visionary Circle and Coastal Family Health are partnering to offer free COVID-19 testing in Moss Point:

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at Kreole Primary Elementary School, 6312 Martin Luther King Blvd.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at Southgate Plaza (Old Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza), 3508 Main St.

This story was originally published May 12, 2020 at 11:42 AM.