A third Mississippian has died as a result of COVID-19.
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the 65-70-year-old Webster County man, who suffered from underlying health conditions, passed away after he was hospitalized.
To date, all three of Mississippi’s reported deaths have been elderly men suffering from underlying health conditions. The 2nd death was reported by the MSDH earlier today.
Currently, Mississippi has 377 confirmed cases of the virus.
On Tuesday, Governor Tate Reeves signed a new executive order aimed at slowing the spread of the virus in Mississippi. The order mandates the suspension of dine-in services at Mississippi restaurants, limits non-essential gatherings of 10 or more people, directs businesses to allow every employee possible to work from home, and instructs state residents not to visit hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities.
Other preventive measures Mississippians can take include the following:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose, and using the bathroom. Effective handwashing takes about 20 seconds, and includes cleaning under fingernails, between fingers, and washing the back of hands as well as the front.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with anyone who is ill.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. When possible, cough, sneeze or blow your nose into a tissue, and throw the tissue away.
- If you are sick, especially with shortness of breath, severe cough, fever or severe chest pain, call a doctor or healthcare provider for instructions on being safely examined.
- Avoid social gatherings where 10 people or more would come into close contact.
- Practice social distancing: stay at least six feet apart from others in a group.
For more information on prevention measures and the latest guidance, download the free MS Ready mobile app or visit www.HealthyMS.com/covid-19. Follow MSDH by email and social media at www.HealthyMS.com/connect.
