With 3,164 positive cases of COVID-19 reported by the State Health Department Thursday, Mississippi has posted its third-highest one-day case numbers.

The spike is the highest one-day total of new cases since Jan. 9’s 3,203 positive test results. The other higher day was Jan. 7, with 3,255 cases.

Sixteen new deaths were also reported as of 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Each day’s new cases and deaths are as of 3 p.m. the previous day.

Lincoln County has now reported 4,264 cases and 116 deaths.

King’s Daughters Medical Center had 18 COVID-positive patients in the hospital as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday. All were unvaccinated. Six were in intensive care unit beds, all on ventilators. Nineteen COVID-related patients were seen in the ER over the previous 24 hours.

There has been a 150% increase in the number of patients admitted to KDMC compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Vaccinations are currently available in Brookhaven at Walgreen’s, Walmart Pharmacy, KDMC and some smaller clinics. They are provided free of charge to the patient.