MSDH updates COVID-19 statistics
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Thursday reported 1,948 new positive case reports of coronavirus, as of 6 p.m. Wednesday. There were 41 new death reports and 220 ongoing outbreaks at Mississippi’s long-term care (LTC) facilities.
Tests may have been made during the past week, and represent individuals who became ill a week ago or more. Repeated tests for the same individual are counted only once.
The COVID-19 related deaths have been reported to MSDH from hospitals, medical examiners and coroners as of 6 p.m. yesterday.
An outbreak is considered any confirmed COVID-19 case among LTC residents, or more than one case in a 14-day period among staff or employees of a facility.
There have been four additional deaths reported from DeSoto County in the Thursday report and 90 new positive cases in the county, which now has recorded 17,717 positive cases and 168 COVID-19 related deaths. There are 22 ongoing LTC outbreaks in DeSoto County.
That compares to 152 additional county cases and three death reports from DeSoto County on Wednesday.
MSDH reported Wednesday that due to the recent increase in online vaccination appointments all of the state’s current vaccine supply has been spoken for and no new appointments are being taken for vaccinations. Appointments are expected to resume in mid-February when the state receives a new vaccine shipment.
People who have received a first dose of the vaccine should still be able to schedule a second dose.
MSDH has clarified that the statement regarding availability refers to that department and that private clinics and hospitals schedule their own vaccinations.
As of Thursday, Jan. 13, there had been 1,756 DeSoto County residents vaccinated, according to the MSDH. Nearly 74,000 doses of the vaccine have been given, with just over 66,000 Mississippians getting the first dose of the two-dose program.
In Thursday’s report, Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven had two staffed beds available and none in the ICU unit. Baptist-DeSoto had 86 COVID-19 patients among its patients and an additional 17 patients in intensive care.
Methodist-Olive Branch reported 11 available beds and no available beds in intensive care. Methodist has 15 coronavirus patients in its 41-bed facility and seven patients in ICU.
Health officials remind residents of the following:
– Keep group sizes small and avoid large gatherings, especially indoors. Many cases are now being spread through gatherings in homes without safety precautions.
– Social distancing is still critical to stop the spread of COVID-19. Keep plenty of distance between yourself and others.
– Wearing a mask or face covering can sharply reduce the risk of passing COVID-19 on to others. Wearing a mask is strongly recommended whenever you are in public places with others around you.
– Most people spreading COVID-19 do not know they are infected.
– Remind others that precautions remain essential, and set an example by your actions.
– Be tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or believe you may have been exposed.
Mississippi State Department of Health information
