Vaccines available throughout the state

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

As of Monday, the Mississippi Health Department reported that Kemper County has had 949 reported cases of COVID-19 since March 2020, an increase of five cases since last Monday. The number of deaths due to COVID-19 in the county remains at 25.

Statewide, the rate of the number of new reported cases increased across the state this past week by 1,463. There have been 306,158 cases reported in Mississippi since March 2020, and 7.051 reported deaths, an increase of 54 since last week.

Vaccination offers 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

All persons 65 and older, and anyone 16 or older with a serious chronic medical condition are urged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

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.

Avoid non-essential trips outside your home.

If you are 65 or older, or in poor health, avoiding exposure to others is especially important.

Keep at least 6 feet apart from others when you are outside your home.

Avoid crowds, social gatherings and community events. Don't gather with those outside your household members. If you eat out or visit stores, restaurants or bars, keep your trips short and wear a cloth face covering.

Gathering outdoors is safer than gathering indoors. Masks and social distancing are still needed outdoors.

Follow restrictions on indoor and outdoor gathering sizes.