Thursday afternoon, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported the first death from coronavirus COVID-19 in Mississippi. The case was a male 60-65 years old from Hancock County with chronic underlying conditions. He died in a Louisiana hospital.

“As the coronavirus outbreak began claiming lives across the world, we knew this would eventually hit Mississippi,” said Gov. Tate Reeves in a statement.

“But that doesn’t make it any easier for Mississippi to lose one of our own. Elee and I are praying for all their loved ones and their community as we all deal with this tragic loss.”

As of this development, Mississippi has reported 50 positive cases. A total of 602 have been tested by the MSDH Public Health Laboratory and private laboratories.

“I am extremely saddened to report this death. My heart goes out to this gentleman’s wife and family. While we knew it was a strong possibility that we would soon have a COVID-19 death, it doesn’t make it any easier to handle,” said MSDH State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs, MD, MPH.

“Many people will survive this virus with mild to severe symptoms, but we remain very concerned for those over 65 and immunocompromised populations — those most at risk to infection from this virus.”

Dobbs said as this virus continues to spread rapidly, prevention has never been more important. Preventive measures Mississippians can take include the following:

• 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.

• 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.

• Avoid social gatherings where 10 people or more would come into close contact.

• Practice social distancing.