Today, MSDH is reporting an additional 653 cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi and six deaths. Mississippi's total of COVID-19 cases for the year now stands at 52,957, with 1,501 deaths.
There are now 189 active outbreaks of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities (where an outbreak is one or more cases among residents or staff).
Currently there are 949 Mississippians hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection, and 230 more with suspected COVID-19.
COVID-19 is spreading in the state through gatherings of more than a few people without strictly observing safety precautions. When a group is together for hours rather than minutes, the chances of disease transmission rise even higher. Distance is a powerful tool against COVID-19, but — like face coverings and hand washing — it works best when used consistently.
More data on COVID-19 in the state, along with the latest protective steps to take, are online at http://HealthyMS.com/covid-19
The Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline is the best way to get your questions about COVID-19 answered. Call 877-978-6453 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.