The Mississippi Department of Health is expanding coronavirus testing after the first positive case in the state. MPB's Kobee Vance reports on recommendations for avoiding the disease.
The Mississippi Department of Health is taking steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the state. They're asking residents to avoid large crowds, and practice social distancing. A Forrest County man tested positive this week for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The man is now in self-isolation. State Health Officer Doctor Thomas Dobbs says the virus has similar symptoms to the flu, and the largest threat is to people over 65.
"Particularly older people and people with underlying medical conditions are at high risk for bad outcomes. It doesn't seem that children are much affected, thankfully, and most people with coronavirus, or COVID-19, will make a full recovery. Only a small proportion, less than one percent, are likely to have severe outcomes or death."
The Department of Health is expanding access to testing, making it easier for physicians to order COVID-19 tests. The department has conducted 42 tests so far and can run 200 tests in a day. State Epidemiologist, Doctor Paul Byers, says the state is continuing to streamline the testing process.
"We're getting results out in a matter of just a few hours after the samples comes to our lab. Obviously there may be some delay in transit time, but as soon as it hits our door we're working and we're processing those samples on a daily basis. So we have a daily run that's going on now."
To prevent the spread of disease, all eight public universities in Mississippi have extended spring break another week and when classes resume on March 23, the universities will begin online classes. No recommendations are being made at this time to close K-12 schools however, there are restrictions on mass gatherings.
Eldercare facilities are advised to limit visitations to prevent the spread of the disease.