Mississippi's COVID-19 numbers set one day record for new cases

Yesterday (Thursday), the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported 1,092 new cases of COVID-19 in the state — by far the greatest one-day total since the pandemic began — and 5 new deaths.

“Mississippi's total of COVID-19 cases since March 11 now stands at 24,516, with 1,016 deaths,” according to the agency’s statement on Thursday. Fifty of the new cases reported today were among residents in long-term care facilities, and there are now 86 active outbreaks of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities (where an outbreak is one or more cases among residents or staff).

As of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, MSDH reported, there were 526 Mississippians hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection, and 219 with suspected COVID-19.

Thursday’s total of new cases eclipses the previous top two days, including Wednesday’s 526 cases and Monday’s 611.

The truth is, there’s a lot of COVID out there,” State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said. “It’s going to kill a lot of people and it’s going to over-stress our health care system. That’s the reality.”

“We’ve had people spending overnight and days in the ER like it’s an ICU,” Dobbs said.

“If we’re not careful, Mississippi is gonna look like New York.”

The agency said in a separate statement on Thursday, “COVID-19 cases are rising fastest among young adults who are failing to take proper safeguards. With a record number of new cases in Mississippi, prevention at this time is critical. The State Health Officer urges all Mississippians aged two and older to wear a mask or face covering in public places and maintain strict social distancing whenever possible. Acting together, we can make a difference.”

Pearl River County on Wednesday had a total of 232 cases with 32 deaths, and 47 cases with 12 deaths in long-term care facilities. Hancock County has had 112 total cases, 13 deaths, with 8 cases in LTC with 4 deaths.