Coronavirus cases in Mississippi top 75,000 with four more deaths on the Coast
Mississippi has surpassed 75,000 cases of the coronavirus since the pandemic began, with 894 cases and 27 deaths added to the totals Thursday.
Four deaths and more than 100 new cases of coronavirus were reported for South Mississippi in Thursday’s count by the state health department.
Two of the deaths were in Jackson County, bringing the total there to 52, the most of any county in South Mississippi. Between Aug. 1-19, Jackson County has seen 16 additional deaths.
“Now is the time to stay focused,” said Lee Bond, CEO for Singing River Health System in Jackson County. “Isolate if you have even the most minor of symptoms, do not visit family in their households (perhaps we should say instead ‘only visit people that you won’t hug, touch or talk closely with!’), keep your hands clean and don’t touch your face.”
Mississippi now has 75,449 total cases and 2,190 deaths. Presumed recoveries through Aug. 16 stands at 56,577.
The number of people hospitalized for coronavirus in Mississippi and in ICU hit the lowest levels of the month on Aug. 19. There were 852 hospitalized with COVID-19 Wednesday compared to a high of 978 on Aug. 7 and 276 in ICU, compared to the high of 337 on Aug. 5.
Patients on ventilators rose to 176 on Wednesday, up from 160 on Tuesday, but stayed below the high for the month of 197 on Aug. 8.
“It’s good news but it’s not victory,” Gov. Tate Reeves said during a press conference Thursday.
South Mississippi added 144 new cases Thursday, putting the seven-day average number of cases back to 99. The seven-day average went above 100 on July 20 and stayed there every day through Aug. 15, hitting a record 173 new cases on Aug. 4. It’s been below 100 for the last six days.
Total cases by county in South Mississippi increased by 144. Totals are:
George — 654 (7 new)
Hancock — 442 (6 new)
Harrison — 2,927 (59 new)
Jackson — 2,650 (56 new)
Pearl River — 643 (11 new)
Stone — 269 (5 new)
This story was originally published August 20, 2020 at 10:46 AM.
