COVID-19 infections climb

Kemper County’s numbers of infections from the Coronavirus Pandemic increased by 14 in the past week.

As of Monday, the Mississippi Department of Health reported that there are 198 cases in Kemper. The number of deaths from the dread disease increased by one as it stands at 15.

The state has seen a continued increase in infections and deaths. As of Monday, there are 43,889 infections and 1,358 deaths in Mississippi.

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.

Health Department news

Gov. Tate Reeves has placed 23 counties in Mississippi under an executive order mandate that people must wear a mask in public in hopes of stopping the spread pof COVID-19. The new executive order will remain in effect until Aug. 3.

Based on the Governor's executive order 1507, the following counties must practice enhanced safety protocols, including the use of a mask or face covering in public and additional limits on social gathering sizes: Bolivar, Claiborne, Covington, De Soto, Forrest, Grenada, Harrison, Hinds, Humphreys, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Panola, Quitman, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Walthall, Washington, and Wayne.

In all businesses: All employees are required to keep at least 6 feet from other employees, or wear a face mask. All employees must be screened at the beginning of their shift.

In retail businesses, employees in contact with the public must wear a face covering.

Members of the public must wear a face covering at all times in a retail business.

Gatherings and events:

Social gatherings are limited to 10 individuals indoors and 20 outdoors, and a distance of at least six feet between individuals must be maintained.

A distance of six feet or more must be maintained between others at all public events, indoors and out, or else face coverings must be worn.