Mississippi reports an additional 11 COVID-19 deaths and 173 new cases

The Mississippi State Department of Health announced Saturday that COVID-19 cases had increased by 173 to a total of 2,642 cases.

The numbers of deaths from the virus now stands at 93 after an additional 11 Mississippians died yesterday, the highest one-day death toll since the crisis began.

Warren County now has 11 confirmed cases of the virus, a unexplained discrepancy from yesterday’s count of 12. One long-term care facility is under investigation in the county.

Neighboring Issaquena County is still the only county in the state without any reported cases. Hinds County, which has more cases than any other county in Mississippi, is reporting 234 cases and two deaths. Additionally, three long-term care facilities are under investigation in Hinds County.

In other neighboring counties, Claiborne now reports five cases, an increase of two since yesterday, and Sharkey is reporting three cases. Neither Claiborne or Sharkey has any reported deaths from the virus. Yazoo County reports 58 cases, up three from yesterday, and one death.

MSDH reports new statistics on the COVID-19 coronavirus each morning based on the previous day’s testing and death reports.

As previously reported, cases and deaths from the virus are heavily skewed toward African Americans. Much of the racial distribution of the virus and deaths can be attributed to underlying health conditions that make people more vulnerable to the virus. Those conditions include cardiovascular disease and diabetes, among others.

All age groups have been affected by the disease, including children under 18 (66 cases). No deaths among juveniles have been reported in Mississippi. Deaths and hospitalizations from the virus occur most frequently among those 60 and older.

The rate of hospitalizations ticked up slightly, from 29% to 30%, still one of the highest rates in the nation.

Outbreaks in long-term care facilities now number 52 across the state, an increase of five since yesterday.

Anyone with symptoms of fever, severe cough or severe chest pains – especially those who are older or in poor health – should arrange for testing with their doctor or one of the many health-care providers now performing testing. Healthcare providers can assess your health history and symptoms and perform testing for COVID-19 as needed. MSDH is also helping conduct free drive-up testing sites in many parts of the state. Always call ahead to the testing provider for instructions on safely being examined before you visit for your test.

Some 22,000 tests have been completed in Mississippi to date. The exact number is unclear as MSDH has not updated the number of tests from outside labs since April 5.

Find a COVID-19 testing provider near you

For more information, visit the MSDH website.

Mississippi COVID-19 cases, deaths and long-term care facility outbreaks to date: