COVID-19 cases up by 7
Compiled by Steve Swogetinsky
The Kemper County Messenger
The number of COVID-19 cases increased by seven in the last week according to the Mississippi Department of Health.
Kemper County has 320 cases. The number of deaths stands at 15.
The Kemper County board of supervisors voted in their October 5 meeting to extend the countywide requirement for people to wear masks.
The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 730 more cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi and 31 more deaths as of October 19. The total of number of Covid-19 cases for the year is now 111,722 statewide, with 3,202 deaths.
Governor Tate Reeves announced last week nine counties, including Neshoba, are included in the new COVID-19 safety measures. Others are Chickasaw, Claiborne. DeSoto, Forrest, Itawamba, Jackson, Lamar and Lee.
These counties will be under a mask mandate when indoors, and social gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
They fit under the governor’s criteria for additional measures, which includes more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents over two weeks or more than 200 total cases over two weeks.
Reeves stopped short of calling the rise in cases a “spike,” but says he is worried about an increase in hospitalizations.
Hospitals must also now set aside 10 percent of its capacity for COVID-19 patients, or else delay elective procedures.
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, and are working to limit the spread of cases nationally and in Mississippi.
Wearing cloth masks can help prevent people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 from spreading the virus.
Make sure your cloth mask: fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, completely covers the nose and mouth, is secured with ties or ear loops, includes multiple layers of fabric, allows for breathing without restriction, and can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. Cloth masks should NOT be worn by children less than 2 years old or anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
People at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 are adults 65 and over, those who are obese, those with a chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, and anyone receiving treatments which may compromise their immune system. These people should take precautions at all times to limit their exposure to others who may be ill.
Stay home as much as possible
If a household member has been away from home in a public place, keep a safe distance (6 feet or more) from them for 14 days. Keep more space (6 feet if possible) between you and others as you go through the day.
If you do go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, and practice strong social distancing. Pay closer attention to hygiene and cleanliness.
Wash your hands often, especially after being in public places.