According to the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH), there are 21 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) with zero related deaths. A total of 9 new cases were reported on Tuesday, March 17th. Cases within Mississippi were in the following counties:

• Copiah – 2
• Forrest – 3
• Hancock – 1
• Harrison – 1
• Hinds – 6
• Jackson – 1
• Leflore – 4
• Monroe – 1
• Pearl River – 2

MSDH and CDC recommends the following:

Protect others:

• Stay home if you are sick, and avoid close contact with anyone who is ill.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. When possible, cough, sneeze or blow your nose into a tissue, and throw the tissue away.
• If you are sick, especially with shortness of breath, severe cough, fever or severe chest pain, call a doctor or healthcare provider for instructions on being safely examined.

Protect yourself away from home

• Avoid social gatherings where 10 people or more would come into close contact. – Number updated on 3.16.20
• Practice social distancing advice below when your are in a group of people.
• Avoid unnecessary (non-urgent) air, bus or train travel.
• Limit visitation to older relatives or friends (especially in nursing or care homes).

Practice protective hygiene

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose, and using the bathroom. Effective handwashing takes about 20 seconds, and includes cleaning under fingernails, between fingers, and washing the back of hands as well as the front.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often.
• Stay in good overall health by eating right and staying active. If you are living with diabetes, heart disease or other condition, keep in touch with your doctor and stay current with your treatment.
• During or before flu season, get a flu shot. Flu vaccination can prevent the flu or make it less severe, and decrease your chance of hospitalization and death. It also keeps you healthier and better able to fight off infections.

For latest information, download Mississippi Ready in the App Store today. Also, visit MSDH.MS.GOV or CDC.GOV.