265 new COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths reported Saturday in Mississippi
South Mississippi reported 12 new cases and no new deaths from the virus.
JACKSON, Miss. (WLOX) - There were 265 new cases of COVID-19 and 8 new deaths reported Saturday throughout the entire state of Mississippi.
In the six South Mississippi counties, there were 12 new cases reported Saturday, including two cases in Hancock County, six in Harrison County, three in Jackson County and one in Pearl River County.
No new deaths were reported Saturday in South Mississippi.
| County | # of Confirmed Cases | # of Deaths | # of Cases in LTC Facilities | # of Deaths in LTC facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George | 30 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Hancock | 92 | 12 | 8 | 3 |
| Harrison | 274 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Jackson | 317 | 15 | 38 | 5 |
| Pearl River | 213 | 31 | 46 | 11 |
| Stone | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
In all, Mississippi has reported a total of 17,034 confirmed COVID-19 infections and 811 deaths as a result of the virus.
Mississippi investigates both probable and confirmed cases and deaths, said MSDH. As of June 5, there have been a total of 17,034 cases investigated, which includes 121 probable cases. There have been 811 deaths investigated, including 16 probable deaths.
Confirmed cases and deaths are generally determined by positive PCR tests, which detect the presence of ongoing coronavirus infection.
Probable cases are those who test positive by other testing methods such as antibody or antigen, and have recent symptoms consistent with COVID-19, indicating a recent infection.
Probable deaths are those individuals with a designation of COVID-19 as a cause of death on the death certificate, but where no confirmatory testing was performed.
[ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: View a list of results for all Mississippi counties here]
Recoveries
State health officials estimate 11,203 Mississippians have now recovered from COVID-19. That total does not include cases still under investigation. MSDH updates the number of recoveries weekly.
In order to determine the presumed number of people who have recovered from the virus, state health officials say the patient must meet one of two criteria. For patients who were NOT hospitalized, they are considered recovered if they have not tested positive for the virus after 14 days. For patients who were hospitalized or if hospitalization was unknown, they are presumed recovered if it has been 21 days or more since they tested positive.
Hospitalizations
The majority of people who get COVID-19 will not require hospitalization, say health officials. As of June 5, there were 408 people hospitalized with confirmed infections in Mississippi. Of those, 83 patients are on ventilators and 135 are in ICU.
Weekly High Case and High Incidence Counties
The state is now ranking counties by weekly cases, and by incidence (cases proportional to population). All tables are updated weekly.
Underlying Conditions, Race, and Age
Underlying conditions are also reported in many of the deaths that have resulted from coronavirus complications. Most deaths from COVID-19 have occurred in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Long-term Care Facilities
A total of 2,017 patients diagnosed with the virus are currently in long-term care facilities throughout the state. In all, 419 people diagnosed while in long-term care facilities have died.
MSDH says: “Long-term care (LTC) facilities like nursing homes are considered high risk locations because their residents are older or in poor health. Even one case of COVID-19 in these facilities among residents or employees is considered an outbreak. We investigate residents, staff and close contacts of infected individuals for possible exposure.”
Testing
As of June 5, a total of 207,751 tests have been done statewide, which includes the number of tests by MSDH and the number of tests given by other providers. That includes 199,077 PCR tests and 8,674 antibody tests.
PCR testing detects current, active COVID-19 infection in an individual. Antibody (serology) testing identifies individuals with past COVID-19 infection based on antibodies they develop one to three weeks after infection.
In all, MSDH labs have conducted 40,528 tests as of June 5, 2020. Of those, 3,051 have shown positive results.
Drive-through clinics for testing are popping up across the state. However, health officials are asking that you call ahead to make sure you meet the qualifications for testing.
Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who feels they should be tested must first go through a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app.
[ LIST: COVID-19 testing sites now open across Mississippi ]
You can also complete a pre-screening by calling one of the following hotlines:
- Memorial Hospital Coronavirus Hotline: 228-867-5000
- Singing River Health System Coronavirus Hotline: 228-809-5044
- MS Dept. of Health Coronavirus Hotline: 877-978-6453.
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