Mississippi records 990 new coronavirus cases, Health Department figures show
Mississippi recorded its second-highest number of new coronavirus cases Saturday, with 990 new cases and four new deaths, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported on the July 4 holiday.
On the Coast, cases are rising particularly quickly in Harrison and Jackson counties, which saw 44 and 32 new cases, respectively.
None of the four new deaths occurred in the state’s southernmost six counties.
The numbers provided further evidence that the virus continues to surge over the July 4th weekend. The day’s total eclipsed the state’s previous second-highest new cases figure of 914, recorded just the day before.
The number of hospitalizations reported by Mississippi hospitals also rose significantly, to 647 from 603 the day before.
The new figures bring the state’s total number of cases to 30,674 and total deaths to 1,107.
There are currently 100 outbreaks of COVID-19 at long-term care facilities.
Total cases by county:
George — 86 (8 new)
Hancock — 126 (0 new)
Harrison — 886 (44 new)
Jackson — 616 (32 new)
Pearl River — 254 (6 new)
Stone — 64 (7 new)
State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs expressed concern earlier this week that July 4th gatherings could further accelerate the spread of the virus. “Recommend celebrating with household members ONLY! Please avoid parties, gatherings,” he tweeted on July 2.
But executive orders by Gov. Tate Reeves allow for much more crowded celebrations. Under the regulations, up to 20 people can attend an indoor gathering without practicing social distancing.
The Department also recommended Thursday that people attending fireworks events stay in their cars to watch the show. “Fireworks are the only thing you want spreading through the air this Fourth of July,” read one post on its Facebook page.
Saturday also marked the first full day that masks are mandatory at all casinos on the Coast and around the state, following an order by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
This story was originally published July 4, 2020 at 12:50 PM with the headline "Mississippi records 990 new coronavirus cases, Health Department figures show."
