Number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow

The Mississippi Health Department reported 500 new cases of COVID-19 this past Monday, the highest daily increase since the outbreak began earlier this year.

Statewide, Mississippi has 17,768 cases and 837 deaths.

In Kemper County, there have been 163 cases reported 11 deaths. Of that, 37 outbreaks have been reported in nursing homes.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mississippi State Department of Health continue to closely monitor the outbreak of respiratory illnesses caused by the novel (new) coronavirus COVID-19. They are working to limit the spread of cases nationally and in Mississippi. MSDH is actively working with doctors and hospitals to quickly identify cases and respond effectively to limit this outbreak.

MSDH has made specific recommendations for individuals, schools, businesses and more to help control the spread of COVID-19 in Mississippi, and the CDC offers valuable special purpose guidance as well.

People can make a difference. You can protect others the following ways:

-Stay home if you are sick, and avoid close contact with anyone who is ill.

-If you have been tested for COVID-19, stay home and away from others until you get your test result. Learn more »

-Cover your coughs and sneezes. When possible, cough, sneeze or blow your nose into a tissue, then throw the tissue away.

-If you are sick, especially with shortness of breath, severe cough, fever or severe chest pain, call a doctor or healthcare provider for instructions on how to visit them safely.



Wear a mask or face covering away from home. Business employees in contact with customers are required to wear a face covering.

-Wear a mask in public places

All Mississippi residents should wear non-medical grade masks or homemade cloth face coverings when shopping, running errands, or otherwise away from home. Face covering is especially important when a distance of at least 6 feet cannot easily be maintained between persons. This recommendation does not include manufactured (surgical) or N95 masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.

Local healthcare providers are now offering sampling and test services at locations across the state for those with COVID-19 symptoms, including free testing sites from the Mississippi State Department of Health and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Find COVID-19 testing services near you. Questions and Information: The Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline

The Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline is available 7 days a week, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. at 877-978-6453.