Nearly 500 new coronavirus cases in Mississippi, a new single-day record

The Mississippi health department’s Monday report of 498 new COVID-19 cases easily set a single-day record.

The previous single-day mark for new cases in the state was 439 on May 30.

There were 20 newly reported deaths announced Monday.

Of the new cases, 22 are in the state’s southernmost six counties. That’s the largest batch of new cases in South Mississippi since 25 were reported on May 14.

Jackson County has 8 new cases and Harrison has 7. Each of the six South Mississippi counties reported at least one new case.

The state’s seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases had been in a recent decline, but that number jumped from 252.71 to 288.00 on Monday.

The Coast’s seven-day average also went back up to double digits for the first time since the beginning of May.

It has now been two weeks since Memorial Day weekend. The incubation period for the virus is 2-14 days.

Mississippi has now reported a total of 17,768 cases of COVID-19 and 837 deaths.

Total cases by county are:

George — 31 (1 new)

Hancock — 93 (1 new)

Harrison — 288 (7 new)

Jackson — 329 (8 new)

Pearl River — 217 (2 new)

Stone — 34 (2 new)

4:30 p.m.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum opened its facilities in Jackson on Monday following closure due to COVID-19.

The Museum will resume normal operating hours of 9-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is following the regulations, orders and guidelines in accordance to the governor’s mandate to ensure safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is required throughout the campus, personal protective equipment (PPE) is encouraged and hand sanitizer is provided.

This story was originally published June 8, 2020 at 11:48 AM.