Mississippi News
COVID-19 cases rising rapidly in Mississippi
COVID-19 cases rising rapidly in Mississippi
COVID-19 cases in Mississippi have increased rapidly over the past two weeks, though overall numbers still remain low.
Mississippi has seen the largest percentage increase in the nation for new COVID-19 cases over that time period, according to local and state health agency data compiled by the New York Times. Mississippi’s cases increased 251% compared to 59% nationally.ย
The state most recently reported 701 new cases of the virus for a two-day period (Wednesday and Thursday).
โWe do have transmission, there is no doubt,โ Liz Sharlot, communications director at Mississippi Department of Health, said. โCOVID is still here and our best advice is to get vaccinated if you have not, get your booster and second booster if you are eligible. Our concern remains with elderly folks that don’t get the second booster. It does make a difference.โ
Even with the recent increased transmission, 80 of Mississippi’s 82 counties have low levelsย of COVID-19 at the community level, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.ย
Jasper and Wilkinson counties are experiencing โmedium level transmission.โ At that level, the CDC recommends that people at high risk for severe illness talk to their health care provider about whether they need to wear a mask and take other precautions.ย
The overall rate of COVID-19 transmission in Mississippi cratered following the explosive omicron wave seen in January, but has been rising again over the past month. Mississippi’s 7-day average for new cases was 104 on April 12, but had risen to 337 as of May 12.ย
There has been an uptick in outbreaks among long-term care facilities, which state health officials said could be an indicator of increased community spread.ย
Actual numbers are likely higher because of the increased use of at-home testing that goes unreported to the state health department.
The omicron variant still accounts for virtually all COVID cases in Mississippi.ย
Mississippi remains one of the least vaccinated states in the nation. The only state that has vaccinated less of its population is Wyoming.ย
As of May 11, 60% of Mississippians had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 52% had received at least two doses. The state has had more difficulty getting vaccinated people to receive booster does. Only 19% of the state’s population has received at least one booster dose, representing less than a third of those who have taken a COVID-19 vaccine in the state.ย
The largest share of recent COVID deaths in the state is among those who have not been vaccinated or are only partially vaccinated. That group made up over 47% of COVID-19 deaths in the state from April 12 to May 9, while fully vaccinated Misssissippians made up 17% of deaths in that period.ย
Although the state’s rate of hospitalizations has decreased as case counts have risen, those rates are a lagging indicator. The health departmentย said the use of intensive care unit beds and ventilators for COVID patients remains low.ย
The availability of oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19, such as Paxlovid and molnupiravir, has increased dramatically in Mississippi since January and has helped reduce hospitalizations.ย
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Vicksburg man charged with assaulting woman in domestic dispute
SUMMARY: In Vicksburg, Mississippi, a domestic assault led to the hospitalization of a man and woman on November 2. Police were alerted by Merit Health River Region after a 28-year-old man, Daron Evans, arrived with a stab wound. Authorities dispatched to the scene found the woman, who had also been assaulted. After receiving treatment, Evans was arrested and charged with aggravated assault domestic violence; he is held without bond until his court appearance. The woman is in stable condition at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. An investigation is ongoing.
The post Vicksburg man charged with assaulting woman in domestic dispute appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Cloudy and humid weekend – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: In Columbus, Mississippi, humid and cloudy weather is expected, with temperatures remaining above average in the lower 80s for the upcoming week. Rain is forecasted for Election Day on Tuesday, continuing into the week with isolated showers likely. This Saturday will see patchy fog in the morning, clearing by midday, with a high around 80 degrees. Sunday will bring similar humidity, with a high in the lower 80s and mild overnight lows in the mid-60s. Throughout the week, expect persistent clouds and humidity alongside mild temperatures.
The post Cloudy and humid weekend – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Sports Zone Saturday: A must-win weekend for Mississippi's college football teams
SUMMARY: College football is back in Mississippi for the 2024 season, with a lineup of exciting games this Saturday. The Sports Zone team will provide special coverage from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on WJTV 12 News. Notable matchups include No. 19 Ole Miss visiting Arkansas at 11:00 a.m. CT on ESPN, while Mississippi State celebrates Homecoming against UMass at 3:15 p.m. CT on the SEC Network. Jackson State hosts UAPB for their Homecoming game at 2:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+, and Alcorn State travels to face Alabama State at 4:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+. Southern Miss has a bye week.
The post Sports Zone Saturday: A must-win weekend for Mississippi's college football teams appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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