A second coronavirus-related death has been reported by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Health officials say that the patient was a Holmes County man between the ages of 60-65 who suffered from underlying health conditions. The man died in the hospital.
The man becomes the second Mississippian to pass away as a result of COVID-19. The first man, who died earlier this month in Hancock County, was also between the ages of 60-65 and suffered from underlying health conditions.
“We knew that more deaths would be inevitable, just as we expect numerous new cases. It is a very sad update to report, regardless,” said MSDH State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs, MD, MPH. “Please do your part by practicing all preventive measures. It is vitally important that we all do what we can right now to help slow the spread of this virus.”
Mississippi currently has 377 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
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.
