Mississippi reports highest single-day COVID-19 case total; Lafayette County now with 21

Published 11:07 am Friday, April 3, 2020

Mississippi reported its highest number of presumptive COVID-19 cases on Friday, as the state had an increase of more than 100 cases for the third straight day.

As of 6 p.m. on Thursday, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported 181 new cases, setting a new single-day high, and three deaths. Mississippi’s total number of cases now sits at 1,358 and 29 deaths.

Lafayette County reported five new cases, bringing its total to 21 cases and one death. Thursday’s total is a new single-day high for Lafayette County.

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The three new deaths were reported in Chickasaw, Pontotoc and Tippah Counties. There are 25 counties who have reported at least one COVID-19 related death.

The State Department of Health also began monitoring and reporting COVID-19 outbreaks at Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities on Thursday. There are 24 counties who have reported an outbreak at an LTC. Lauderdale County has reported three LTC outbreaks, while Hancock and Hinds Counties have reported two.

An investigation into an outbreak is triggered by the MSDH when a facility reports its first case, due to the residents being primarily older adults who are more vulnerable to contracting the virus.