Some employees with the Mississippi Department of Corrections have tested positive for the Coronavirus according to the agency. As MPB’s Desare Frazier reports, it’s some of the latest information officials are sharing with the public.
The Mississippi Department of Corrections reports of 11 employees tested for the Coronavirus, three are positive-results are still pending for some. Three inmates have been tested-two are negative, the results haven’t come in for the third one. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers .
“We work very closely with those areas to make sure that we provide the best protection possible. You know it’s tough because social distancing is the biggest key. But we want to do what we can to prevent infections in those as well,” said Byers.
State Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson says they have just learned the Coronavirus can be spread from people to animals. The U.S.Department of Agriculture reports a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York, has tested positive for the virus. They found several other tigers and lions have symptoms. The department thinks the tigers may have gotten it from an employee. Gipson says they don’t know if pets can give the virus to humans.
“You might want to maintain social distancing with your pets as well. And can you feed them, care for them, but don’t get up in their face if you can help it. Obviously there’s a lot of unknowns,” said Gipson
House Speaker Philip Gunn says the Mississippi Department of Employment Security has expanded its call center hours from 7 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. He says the phone lines are jammed and they’re hiring more staff. Gunn says the best way to apply is online or by calling after 5 p.m. He says people think they have to apply right away, but they don’t. Gunn is asking those who can wait to do so.
“Whatever day you lost your job. What every day you were laid off. You will be paid from that day. A lot of people are operating under the impression that they’ve got to file the claim today to get the benefits started and everyday they wait they’re losing money,” said Gunn.
There will be a one day testing site at Clinton’s Trace Park Wednesday by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-screening is required by using the C-Spire Health App or calling (601) 496-7200.