1,134 new COVID-19 cases, 30 new deaths reported Saturday in Mississippi
82 new cases and 1 new death were reported in South Mississippi Saturday.
JACKSON, Miss. (WLOX) - In Mississippi, there were 1,134 new cases of COVID-19 and 30 new deaths reported Saturday by state health officials.
In South Mississippi, that number breaks down to 82 new cases and one new death reported for the six southernmost counties. The new cases are reported in the following: Jackson County (37), Harrison County (19), George County (14), Pearl River County (9), Stone County (2), and Hancock County (1).
The one new death on the coast came from Harrison County, and was not a patient in a long-term care facility.
| County | # of Confirmed Cases | # of Deaths | # of LTC Cases | # of LTC Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George | 539 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Hancock | 324 | 14 | 8 | 4 |
| Harrison | 2067 | 32 | 126 | 14 |
| Jackson | 1874 | 34 | 68 | 7 |
| Pearl River | 480 | 36 | 53 | 14 |
| Stone | 146 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Mississippi investigates both probable and confirmed cases and deaths, said MSDH. As of July 31 at 6pm, there have been a total of 59,881 cases investigated, which includes 879 probable cases. There have been 1,693 deaths investigated, including 45 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.
Hospitalizations
As of July 31, there were 968 people hospitalized with confirmed infections in Mississippi, which is 21 fewer patients than the day before. The number of patients in ICU increased by five patients, going from 297 to 302 on July 31. The number of patients in ICU who are on ventilators went down by four patients, dropping from 176 to 172.
The majority of people who get COVID-19 will not require hospitalization, say health officials.
Recoveries
State health officials estimate 35,071 Mississippians have now recovered from COVID-19 as of July 26, 2020. 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.
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
Cases among young adults ages 18 to 29 are highest, warns MSDH.
The majority of pediatric cases are in children between the ages of 11-7.
Underlying conditions are also reported in many of the deaths that have resulted from coronavirus complications.
Long-term Care Facilities
A total of 3,607 patients diagnosed with the virus are currently in long-term care facilities throughout the state as of July 31. In all, 759 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 July 31, a total of 477,160 tests have been done statewide, which includes the number of tests by MSDH and the number of tests given by other providers. That includes 460,594 PCR tests and 16,566 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 65,715 tests as of July 31. Of those, 7,197 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 wanting to be tested for COVID-19 can 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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