Live updates: Harrison, Hancock have 6 new COVID-19 cases as Coast draws holiday crowds

11 a.m. Sunday

Harrison and Hancock counties each have 3 new coronavirus cases, and the state lowered totals by 1 each in Stone and Pearl River counties.

For Memorial Day weekend, the beaches, waterfront restaurants and shopping centers were more crowded Saturday than they’ve been since before the coronavirus pandemic started. Small groups covered the beaches from Biloxi to Gulfport, and parking lots were nearly full at beachside restaurants and shopping centers.

The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 247 new cases statewide.

The seven-day average for the lower six counties of South Mississippi has risen to above 7 for the first time since May 14. The Sun Herald has been tracking the seven-day average, which gives a better idea of the overall curve since there are spikes on days when private labs submit large batches of positive cases.

There are 20 new deaths in the state, none in the lower six counties, bringing the total to 625 Mississippians that have died of COVID-19.

Total cases in South Mississippi are:

George — 19 (0 new for six days)

Hancock— 87 (3 new)

Harrison — 234 (3 new)

Jackson — 296 (0 new)

Pearl River — 202 (1 fewer)

Stone — 29 (1 fewer)

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said the state’s seven-day average rose above 300 for the first time, which has not happened yet.

11 a.m. Saturday

Mississippi surpassed the 13,000 mark as the Department of Health reported 381 new cases of the coronavirus in Mississippi with 20 new deaths. One of these deaths was reported out of Hancock County.

There have now been 13,005 COVID-19 cases In the state with 616 deaths. The number of recoveries in the state still stands at 7,681.

Eight of the deaths reported Saturday were confirmed to be between May 7 and May 16 after being identified through death certificate reports, one of those the death In Hancock County. There have been 58 deaths on the Coast from the coronavirus.

Total cases in South Mississippi are:

George — 19 (0 new for five days)

Hancock— 84 (Lowered from Friday’s reported 86)

Harrison — 231 (1 new)

Jackson — 296 (5 new)

Pearl River — 203 (0 new)

Stone — 30 (3 new)

Friday’s highlights

▪ On Friday, Mississippi reached its second highest one-day total of new coronavirus cases since the pandemic.

New cases jumped to 402 on Friday from 255 Thursday. It was second only to the record of 404 new cases on May 8 in Mississippi.

The state Health Department reported 16 new deaths, three of them from reviews of death certificate reports between May 1-12. None of the deaths were in South Mississippi.

State totals stand at 12,624 cases and 596 deaths.

▪ Mississippi Emergency Management Agency director Gregory Michel reported the state spent $62 million to purchase PPE, or personal protection equipment, and run the operation since the pandemic began in March.

More than 10 million items were purchased, he said, and the state can account for every item and dollar spent.

▪ As Gov. Tate Reeves announced that he was opening outdoor recreational facilities, the Mississippi High School Activities Associated announced it will allow summer athletics and activities to resume on June 1 under some restrictions.

▪ Residents of Pearl River counties and surrounding communities can be tested for COVID-19 next week as the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi State Department of Health continue efforts to stem virus transmission by setting up one-day, drive-through collection sites.

Testing is Thursday, May 28, at Pearl River County Health Department, 7547 U.S. 11, Carriere.

This story was originally published May 23, 2020 at 11:45 AM.