Harrison County tops 1,000 COVID cases as Mississippi reports daily increase of 674
Harrison County is the first in South Mississippi to cross the threshold of 1,000 cases of the new coronavirus since the pandemic began four months ago.
As more businesses and cities begin requiring masks to curb the spread of the virus, Mississippi State Department of Health reported Wednesday that Harrison County now has 1,003 total cases and 1 additional death.
Mississippi’s new cases and deaths dropped Wednesday after Tuesday’s big increase. There were 59 new cases in the six southern counties Wednesday, down from 105 on Tuesday.
The state has 674 new cases, down from the 957 reported on Tuesday. Thirty new deaths Wednesday and 44 Tuesday are the largest daily increases in deaths since mid-May when there were two days of 32 new deaths.
Totals statewide since March 11 now are 32,888 cases and 1,188 deaths.
Presumed recoveries through July 5 are 22,167.
Jackson County, which was leading Harrison County in total cases until June 15, saw new cases drop Wednesday to 15 from a record 51 new cases on Tuesday.
Total deaths in South Mississippi now stands at 79, led by Pearl River County with 32 deaths. Jackson County has 17 deaths, Hancock County 13, Harrison County 12, George County 3 and Stone County 2
Total hospitalizations in the state are a record 648, with 173 patients in intensive care and 95 on ventilators.
The number of outbreaks in long-term care facilities increased to 108 throughout Mississippi, and 41 of the cases and 12 of the deaths reported Wednesday were in these facilities.
South Mississippi has a total of 197 cases in long-term facilities and 27 deaths. Harrison County leads with 91 cases among residents and staff, and Pearl River has nearly half of the LTC deaths in South Mississippi with 12.
Total cases in South Mississippi counties are:
George — 94 (3 new)
Hancock —134 (0 new)
Harrison — 1,003 (34 new)
Jackson — 704 (15 new)
Pearl River —269 (4 new)
Stone — 72 (3 new)
Gautier has joined other cities on the Coast that now require masks in all public buildings. The order went into effect Wednesday and all visitors and city workers will be required to wear a mask or face covering in all public buildings to include City Hall, the Gautier Police Department and others.
Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce is handing out to local businesses packets with social distancing and other safety guidelines. The chamber also will be distributing cloths masks to any business needing a fresh supply. They will be available to businesses from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday and Friday at the Ocean Springs Visitor Center.
Masks will become mandatory at all Mississippi Driver License centers on July 13. Customers also should follow proper social distancing protocols while waiting for service.
The daily schedule continues at the centers according to the first letter of customers’ last names: Monday A-E, Tuesday F-L, Thursday M-S and Friday T-Z. Wednesdays are for firearm permits, security guard permits, renewals and duplicates. Many services are available online at dps.ms.gov and using the Driver Service Bureau link.
This story was originally published July 8, 2020 at 2:48 PM.
