Record coronavirus cases in Mississippi have strained the state’s healthcare system, and some hospitals are at capacity. School districts across the state are facing outbreaks of the coronavirus among teachers and students to a degree where they must either move to virtual classes or enforce mask mandates. Governor Tate Reeves says he has no issue with schools issuing local mandates if they feel that is necessary, but he says he will not issue his own mandate for schools or the public.
“The best way for us to get beyond this, the fourth wave of COVID-19, is for all of us to come together, for to work together, and do the little things to take care of ourselves and take care of our families,” says Governor Reeves.
Health officials say it is not too late to get a coronavirus vaccine, which is the most effective way at preventing severe outcomes. However, it will take several weeks before vaccinations will become effective at preventing disease. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says if someone does contract COVID-19, they should ask their doctor about how to receive monoclonal antibody treatment. He says this treatment, which takes only a few hours, can drastically help improve someone’s survival rate.
“And if you’re someone who is vaccine-hesitant and haven’t made that jump yet, don’t be antibody hesitant,” says Dr. Dobbs. “If you get COVID, we don’t want to be having the conversation as you’re getting wheeled into the ICU saying ‘Hey doc, what can I do about it now?’ It’s too late.”
Dr. Dobbs says without a vaccination or antibody treatment, the severity of the disease can increase the chance of death. He says 2.2 percent of people who test positive for COVID-19 will die. Among hospitalized covid patients, 15 percent will die. In the ICU, the death rate rises to 1 in three. And when on life support, two in three coronavirus patients will not survive.
