County’s COVID-19 Cases Up To 17

The number of daily COVID-19 cases reported in Mississippi continues to climb daily, with the latest figures released by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) up to 4,716 at presstime Tuesday. The tally includes 17 confirmed cases in Yalobusha County since the agency first starting documenting cases on March 11.

MSDH does not provide statistics on the number of people who have made a full recovery from the virus, but in Yalobusha County many of the people who tested positive for the virus in previous weeks have recovered and are back working. Yalobusha County remains one of 27 counties in the state with no reported deaths from the virus. The county is also one of 37 counties in Mississippi that does not have an outbreak in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home.  Long-term care facilities are considered high risk locations because their residents are often older or in poor health.

Anyone with symptoms of fever, severe cough or severe chest pains – especially those who are older or in poor health – should make arrangements for testing with their doctor or one of the many healthcare providers now performing testing. 

Healthcare providers can assess your health history and symptoms, and perform testing for COVID-19 as needed. Always call ahead to the testing provider for instructions on safely being examined before you visit for your test. 

MSDH stresses that anyone who has been tested and is awaiting the results to remain at home. Instructions also include staying in a specific room and away from other people in your home, to the extent possible. Use a separate bathroom, if available. Household members can consider staying in a separate location, if available, to decrease their risk of exposure.

If you must leave home, such as to seek medical care, wear a surgical mask if available.

If your results are positive, you will need to isolate for 14 days from the time your symptoms started. Your household contacts should also immediately quarantine themselves for 14 days if your test is positive.

Coronavirus patients should get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and if needed, take medication to reduce your fever.

If your symptoms get worse and you need to seek healthcare, call ahead and tell the provider that you have been tested for COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.