COVID-19 cases up by 88
Compiled By Steve Swogetinsky
The Kemper Messenger
The number of cases of COVID-19 in Kemper County has increased by 88 this past week, according to statistics provided by the Mississippi Department of Health website.
Kemper County has 810 reported cases as of Monday, an increase of 88. The county has 20 reported deaths, the same as last week.
Vaccinations are in high demand, and appointments may not be available in in all areas. Appointments for second doses should be available.
Free COVID-19 vaccinations for Mississippians are available at drive-through sites around the state and from some local healthcare providers.
Adults aged 65 and older can be vaccinated at any of our drive-through locations, or at some private healthcare providers.
Anyone 16 to 64 years old with a chronic health condition that may put them at higher risk from COVID-19. (18 or older at our drive-through sites.) Qualifying health conditions: cancer, Chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Down Syndrome, heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but less than 40 kg/m2), Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or higher), Pregnancy, Sickle cell disease, Smoking, diabetes, or other medical conditions as determined by your medical provider
Note that your physician or medical provider may advise that you be vaccinated even if you do not have a health condition listed.
Vaccine supplies and vaccinations sites are expected to increase by February.
COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus that causes flu-like illness ranging from mild to severe, with symptoms of fever, coughing, fatigue and difficulty breathing. Like the flu, COVID-19 spreads person-to-person by close contact (within 6 feet) and by coughing or sneezing. COVID-19 may also spread by touching surfaces contaminated by the virus.
The number of new cases has continued to grow across the state. According to health department numbers, there were 11,214 new cases in Mississippi in the past week. There have been 265.146 cases reported in Mississippi since March and 5,777 reported deaths, an increase of 253 since last week.
If you are feeling unwell, you are urged to go and get tested. A site is set up in DeKalb at the old health department on Monday and Wednesday.
MSDH urgently recommends that all residents of Mississippi avoid any social gathering that includes individuals outside of the immediate family or household. MSDH recommends that Mississippians only participate in work, school or other absolutely essential activities, and avoid gatherings such as social events, sporting events, in-person church services, and weddings and funerals unless they involve only close family (preferably outdoors).