No deaths in Lincoln County as yet from novel virus

Published 5:19 pm Friday, April 3, 2020

As of Thursday, there have been no deaths in Lincoln County associated with COVID-19. The number of confirmed cases for the county has remained at 14, but the Mississippi State Department of Health has noted an outbreak at an unnamed long-term health care facility in the county.

An outbreak in a long-term care facility is considered particularly dangerous because their residents are older or in poor health.

There have been an additional 181 cases and three deaths state-wide according to data published by the Mississippi State Department of health. This brings the total up to 1,358 cases and 29 deaths.

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Emergency Management Director Clifford Galey noted in a Facebook post Friday that, starting Monday, members of the public should enter the courthouse from the front entrance on front street only. The back parking lot on Second Street will be reserved for employees only. Galey said the courthouse will continue to be open during the outbreak.

King’s Daughters Medical Center has set up a mobile screening site behind the emergency room that is open to the public between 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. seven days a week. The screening is available for people age 12 and up. KDMC is asking everyone call 601-835-9455 before visiting the screening site, which is accessed by following the signs on Brookman Drive.

KDMC noted in a press release Thursday that they have tested 15 patients who have been tested positive for the virus. The numbers differ from the MSDH because Lincoln County is not necessarily a patient’s place of residence. KDMC has administered 257 tests since the outbreak and they are experiencing a three to eight day turnaround.––

KDMC noted that they have canceled all public meetings, student programs, classes, screenings, support groups, fitness and performance centers and public meals through the cafeteria. No visitation is allowed for all patients at this time. KDMC offers phones in each room for communication.