Health officials issue new guidance as coronavirus transmission rises in Mississippi

by

kobee vance

• Published on July 12, 2021 • Comments

Hospitalizations of patients with confirmed COVID-19 infections are rising at a similar rate to the beginnings of previous surges.
Dr. Dobbs @TCBPubHealht Twitter

Mississippi health officials are updating coronavirus guidance as the Delta variant spreads across the state and hospitalizations rise. Experts want to protect the most vulnerable residents in the state.

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Mississippians with chronic illnesses and those age 65 years and older are being encouraged to avoid crowded public areas to avoid contracting the coronavirus, even if they are vaccinated. This new guidance is in response to the continued spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said the majority of the state has not been vaccinated, and those at an increased risk for the virus need to protect themselves.

“We want to at least give individuals the best guidance so they can survive the COVID pandemic. People need to know that there is risk right now and for the time being if you are in one of these high-risk groups, it is very wise for you to avoid indoor mass gatherings where we are going to see significant transmission over the coming weeks,” said Dr. Dobbs.

Dr. Dobbs said the more cases of the coronavirus there are, the more likely fully vaccinated people can contract the disease. If the virus does break through the immunity of a vaccine, State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said the vaccination will decrease the severity of viral symptoms and help the patient recover faster.

“That vaccine also protects against severe infection, hospitalizations and deaths,” said Dr. Byers.” We need to continue to promote the benefits of the vaccine, even if you do become infected with one of these highly infectious variant strains.”

Health officials are encouraging all Mississippians to work together and get the coronavirus vaccine.