100 people have now died from COVID-19 in South MS as state nears 50,000 cases
Two more deaths in Pearl River County were added Friday plus one more each in George and Harrison County, raising the death toll to 100 people who have died from coronavirus in South Mississippi.
That’s up 27 deaths since July 1 in the six Coast counties.
The State Department of Health on Friday reported 213 new cases in South Mississippi, putting the seven-day average at a record 158 cases per day.
Since the pandemic began, South Mississippi has seen 4,151 COVID-19 cases. Harrison County continues to have the highest number of cases.
Jackson County, which had 533 total cases on July 1, had 97 new cases Friday. Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula continues to see a rapid escalation in cases this week. From 0 new cases on Sunday, the shipyard has since reported 87 cases this week, with 20 more added Friday.
Singing River Health System in Jackson County reports 49 positive test results on Thursday and 29 patients hospitalized with coronavirus.
Mississippi is nearing 50,000 total cases after an additional 1,610 cases were reported Friday for a total of 49,663, and 28 new deaths, 11 of which were from July 5-17.
There are 975 people hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 — up by 25 since Thursday and another state record — as the health department said, “The extraordinary burden on hospitals continues to increase.”
“Mississippi is on a strong upward trend in COVID-19 that has yet to stop,” MSDH tweeted Friday. “Hospitals are dangerously full. You can change this by the actions you take, and by encouraging others to take action as well. Simple precautions over time WILL stop COVID-19!”
The 163 patients on ventilators was another record, while patients in ICU dropped to 279 Friday from 293 Thursday.
Presumed recoveries are updated once a week and stand at 30,315 as of July 19.
Total cases in South Mississippi counties are:
George — 220 (18 new)
Hancock — 235 (16 new)
Harrison — 1,694 (66 new)
Jackson — 1,481 (97 new)
Pearl River —403 (11 new)
Stone — 118 (5 new)
This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 1:01 PM.
