COVID-19 declines as vaccinations increase

As the number of people receiving vaccinations for COVID-19 increases in Mississippi, the number of new cases and hospitalizations are on the decline according to the health department.

Gov. Tate Reeves reported in a news conference last week that between 25,000 to 30,000 people in Mississippi were being vaccinated every day. Mississippi has a population of around 3 million people. Of that, over 18 percent or more than 550,000 people are now fully vaccinated, Reeves said.

Since last Monday, the number of new reported cases in Mississippi was 1,361. There have been 307,519 cases reported in the state since March 2020. There were 45 deaths reported in the last week due to COVID-19, leaving the state total at 7.096 reported deaths.

As of Monday, the Mississippi Health Department reported that Kemper County has had 957 reported cases of COVID-19 since March 2020, an increase of three cases since last Monday. The number of deaths due to COVID-19 in the county was 26, an increase of one since last week.

COVID-19 vaccinations for Mississippians are available at no cost from drive-through sites around the state, and from some local healthcare providers.

The governor and health officials say the vaccination shots offer excellent protection against illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. All persons aged 16 or older who live or work in Mississippi are eligible for vaccination.

Free vaccinations are available at MSDH drive-through sites statewide.

Local health clinics. physicians, pharmacies and providers also offer COVID-19 vaccination. Check the Mississippi Department of Health website to learn more about finding a vaccination site and making an appointment.

While the number of new cases are declining, health officials say it is no time to let down your guard. It is encouraged that you wear a mask when in public.

The more you are apart from others, the more you are protected from COVID-19 transmission. The virus spreads easily between those eating together, talking together, or attending events.