Mississippi has hit a record no one wanted to see — 10,000 deaths related to COVID-19.

Thirty-four new deaths were reported to the Mississippi State Department of Health over the weekend and another 33 Tuesday morning — from Aug. 9-Oct. 25 — elevating the state’s fatality total to 10,057. MSDH also reported 555 new positive test results for Oct. 22-24, and 1,670 new cases Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 503,322 cases of the coronavirus.

Lincoln County reported 32 new cases since Friday. The county has had 5,468 positive test results and 135 deaths since the onset of the pandemic.

Mississippi retains the No. 1 position in highest death rate — 335 deaths per 100,000 people. The next highest states are New Jersey, Alabama and Louisiana — with 311-313 each. The lowest death rates are in Vermont, 56 per 100,000, and Hawaii, with 62 deaths per 100,000.

 

In area schools

The most recent week of COVID-19 reporting compiled for schools across the state ended Oct. 15. In 73 counties, 693 schools reported.

In Brookhaven, Alexander Junior High has reported five or fewer students and five or fewer staff members with positive tests since the beginning of the school year. Mamie Martin Elementary reported one student quarantined for exposure during the week ending Oct. 15, and 14 students and 16 staff members with positive tests since August. Fannie L. Mullins School reported no positive tests among students or staff since the school year began.

Bogue Chitto Attendance Center reported five or fewer students with positive test results during the week of Oct. 15, with three quarantined for exposure. Bogue Chitto has reported five or fewer staff and 47 students with positive tests since August.

Loyd Star Attendance Center reported no new positive tests, and five or fewer staff and 51 students with positive tests for the school year to-date. The school has reported two total outbreaks for the year.

West Lincoln Attendance Center reported one student quarantined for exposure during the week ending Oct. 15. West Lincoln has reported 10 staff and 60 students with positive test results this school year. The school has reported six total outbreaks for the year.

Lawrence County High School reported five or fewer students had tested positive within the week, and one student was quarantined for exposure. Thirty-five students and five or fewer staff members had tested positive since the beginning of school.