Mississippi has now seen its first one-day rise of 900+ COVID-19 cases since late February.
After State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs warned that the state is in for a “rough few weeks,” the MSDH reported 961 new cases of the virus with 8 additional deaths. Mississippi’s total number of cases now rises to 330,664 and 7,485 Mississippians have passed away from the virus.
Additionally, hospitalizations are now above 400 for the first time since late February as well. The state’s healthcare system is seeing some stress as 13 hospitals are currently without ICU bed space.
As for what’s fueling the rise in these indicators, Dr. Dobbs said Tuesday that Mississippi’s low vaccination rate, increased activities during the summer and the spread of the Delta variant is a “perfect storm for an explosion in cases.”
Health experts continue to stress that an overwhelming majority of cases, deaths and hospitalizations are among the unvaccinated.
The MSDH continues to recommend that those 65 and older & the immunocompromised avoid large indoor gatherings, regardless of vaccination status.
Watch Tuesday’s full press conference below:
