Mississippi - COVID-19 cases - 86,478 cases; 2,569 deaths

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Source: https://www.wlox.com/2020/03/13/two-...lth-officials/

Two more cases of COVID-19 identified in Mississippi, say health officials
FACTS NOT FEAR: The latest Coronavirus news (Source: Gray Media)
By WLOX Staff | March 13, 2020 at 11:36 AM CDT - Updated March 13 at 11:49 AM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLOX) - State health officials announced Friday that there are two new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi. That brings the total of reported coronavirus cases in the Magnolia State to three.

The Mississippi State Department of Health reports the second and third presumptive positive cases. Both cases are in Forrest County, said MSDH.

A presumptive positive test means the patient tested positive when administered the COVID-19 test. However, those results will now have to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

[Pathfinder]

JACKSON, Miss. — Following Wednesday night’s announcement of the first reported coronavirus (COVID-19) case in the state, Mississippi State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs, MD, MPH, and Mississippi Emergency Management Association(MEMA) Executive Director Gregory S. Michel held a press conference this morning announcing major updates and new community recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus.

“The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is expanding access to COVID-19 testing. Physicians may now submit specimens to the Mississippi Public Health Laboratory or commercial labs without prior consultation with MSDH, just like any other lab test. This will streamline necessary testing as much as possible,” said Dr. Dobbs.

Additionally, Dobbs said the MSDH is expanding recommendations for long-term care visitors and mass social gatherings.

“We know that this virus is easily spread person to person, so we recommend limiting visitations and discontinuing any group social activities in long-term care facilities,” he said.

Regarding mass gatherings, the MSDH recommends that individuals, communities and organizations take specific steps when determining their safety or the need for cancellation.

“Stay informed of the cases in your county and surrounding counties, and maintain social distancing as practical,” said Dobbs. “Our older population and chronically ill individuals should protect themselves by avoiding gatherings of more than 250 people.”

There is no recommendation at this time that schools should close. Complete details of the updated information and guidance are available on the MSDH website.

Governor Tate Reeves and Dr. Dobbs have been working closely since the beginning of the outbreak.

“With the outbreak of the coronavirus spreading throughout the country and the world, we anticipated it eventually reaching Mississippi and planned ahead. When it comes to the health and safety of Mississippians, we’re not taking any chances,” said Gov. Reeves.

“Thanks to the advance preparation and planning ahead of confirmed cases and Dr. Dobbs’s and Director Michel’s leadership, we are prepared to respond decisively and quickly. Mississippians should not panic � our approach will be calm and steady. We continue to prioritize our effort to protect public health and save lives,” he said.

Executive Director of MEMA Greg Michel says MEMA is moving to a Level-One Activation in response to COVID-19.

“This is a posturing move to make sure all of our emergency support functions are in place to assist the Mississippi State Department of Health. This activation is not to create panic. We at MEMA are ready to coordinate with our county emergency management agencies and MSDH to ensure there are no unmet needs during the response and recovery from COVID-19,” he said.

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https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,21824,341.html

[Pathfinder]

JACKSON, Miss. — Tonight the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports its first presumptive positive case of coronavirus or COVID-19. Final verification will come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The individual is a Forrest county adult male who recently traveled to Florida. After confirmation by the Mississippi State Department of Health's Public Health Laboratory, the patient voluntarily isolated himself at home to prevent further transmission to others. The patient was not hospitalized.

The Mississippi State Department of Health is conducting further investigation to limit spread of the virus from this case.

Governor Tate Reeves is fully aware of the situation and remains in close contact with the State Health Officer for all elements of COVID-19 response.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs will release additional information and guidelines to Mississippians at an 11:00 press conference tomorrow morning.

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https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,21819,341.html

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Source: https://www.wkrg.com/health/coronavi...n-mississippi/

First presumptive case of COVID-19 reported in Mississippi
by: Brianna Hollis
Posted: Mar 11, 2020 / 08:00 PM CDT / Updated: Mar 11, 2020 / 08:12 PM CDT

JACKSON, Miss. (WKRG) — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 Wednesday night...

The individual believed to be infected is a Forrest County man who recently traveled to Florida, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health. The patient has isolated himself at home to prevent spreading the novel coronavirus to others. He was not hospitalized...