The state has reported 1,796 new cases of COVID-19 since Tuesday, with 853 new infections reported Friday — a significant spike over the previous few days — and 77 deaths reported over the three-day period. There were 15 new deaths reported Friday.

There were 426 new cases and 39 new deaths posted Wednesday, and 517 new cases and 33 new deaths posted Thursday. The state’s cumulative total of cases is now 89,175, with a total of 2,670 reported coronavirus-related deaths.

Lincoln County reported 10 new cases since Tuesday — two Wednesday, five Thursday and three Friday — and no new deaths, bringing the county’s case total to 1,017 while the death total remains steady at 52.

The number of patients hospitalized statewide for COVID-19 has dropped from 608 on Tuesday to 522 — with hospitalizations of 525 and 517 on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Those in ICU have dropped from 186 to 177, with 101 on ventilators down from 111.

At least 74,098 persons are presumed to have recovered from the virus.

COVID-19 screening is available at King’s Daughters Medical Center behind the emergency room, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily, for ages 12 and up. Call 601-833-9455 to make an appointment.

In a public address via Facebook Thursday, Gov. Tate Reeves praised the people of the state for their diligence in helping get and keep virus cases down, saying, “Keep doing what you’re doing, because it’s working (but) we are still in the fight.”

What you can do

• Social distancing is still critical to stop the spread of COVID-19. Keep plenty of distance between yourself and others.

• Wearing a mask or face covering can sharply reduce the risk of passing COVID-19 on to others. Wearing a mask is strong recommended whenever you are in public places with others around you.

• Most people spreading COVID-19 do not know they are infected.

• Remind others that precautions remain essential, and set an example by your actions.