Live updates May 21: Coast has 7 new coronavirus cases as MS clears 12,000 mark

The Mississippi State Health Department reported 255 new cases of COVID-19, including six in South Mississippi, and 10 new deaths on Thursday.

After a four-day stretch where three or fewer new cases were reported on the Coast, there were seven on Wednesday and six on Thursday. Four new cases are reported in Harrison County and three in Jackson County.

There were no new deaths reported in the state’s southernmost six counties with only one announced in the last seven days.

The state cleared the 12,000 mark in new cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 12,222. The death tally now stands at 580.

There have been 837 reported cases of COVID-19 in South Mississippi.

As of May 17, there were 7,681 patients who were presumed to have recovered from the novel coronavirus in the state.

Total cases in South Mississippi are:

George — 19 (0 new for three days)

Hancock — 81 (0 new for four days)

Harrison — 220 (4 new)

Jackson — 288 (3 new)

Pearl River — 197 (0 new)

Stone — 25 (1 fewer)

4:25 p.m.

The Jackson County Chapter of the NAACP is handing out free masks Saturday 10a.m.- 2 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Moss Point.

Curley Clark, presidents of the local chapter, said the group is giving away 1,000 masks in the the predominantly black community because it has been a hotspot for the novel coronavirus in Jackson County.

3:20 p.m.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced Thursday that he is naming Patrick Sullivan to be the chairman for the State Workforce Investment Board as Reeves looks to boost pay and training for Mississippi’s workers.

Reeves says the SWIB was created to develop and implement the state’s economic strategy to maximize education, training and employment service resources.

“Every Mississippian deserves the chance to work an honest job for good pay,” Reeves said. “The current economic climate presents new challenges for our state, but we are committed to forging ahead for our people and increasing Mississippians take-home pay through business growth and workforce training. Patrick has an impressive record of fostering economic growth and overseeing economic development in our state.”

The governor hopes to use CARES Act funding to invest in providing training for Mississippians who are looking to get into a new line of work.

“I am proposing a substantial investment in workforce training facility capacity expansions where our training institutions can quickly upgrade facilities or add equipment to train more Mississippians with skills that lead to higher paying careers,” Reeves said. “The best way to get Mississippians into higher paying jobs is to get more Mississippians qualified for the high-tech, higher paying jobs many businesses demand today. I am asking the legislature to let us use CARES Act funds to help these Mississippians to re-enter the workforce stronger.”

Wednesday’s highlights

▪ Free masks will be available to the community Saturday from the Jackson County branch of the Mississippi NAACP.

The giveaway will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of MLK and Main Street in Moss Point.

▪ Hancock County supervisors reopened restrooms next to the Washington Street pier and at the Cedar Point boat launch.

▪ The Biloxi Visitors Center will reopen on Friday morning. The galleries, exhibits and theater will remain closed for now but brochures and other information will be available.

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich signed his sixth executive order Tuesday that opens churches and museums. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum will open Thursday and the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum on Friday, at the start of Memorial Day Weekend.

▪ Harrison County Fairgrounds staff got the go-ahead from the county supervisors to reopen for outdoor activities and events, which must comply with Gov. Tate Reeves’ executive orders and CDC recommendations.

▪ Coast Transit Authority is eliminating the 10 person-per-bus limit in response to Gov. Tate Reeve’s executive order. Safeguards remain in effect. All passengers are required to have their mouth and nose covered and practice social distancing Hand sanitizer is available on the CTA buses and at the CTA facilities.

▪ The state Health Department reported 263 new cases and 16 additional deaths on Wednesday.

South Mississippi had 7 new cases and 0 new deaths, for a total of 831 cases and 57 deaths.

This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 11:37 AM.