While the state is focused on the state flag issue, there is still a pandemic to keep an eye on.

The Mississippi Department of Health reported 361 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi and sadly four more people have lost their lives to the virus.

On Thursday, over 1,000 cases were reported.  That was the state’s highest report of cases in one day.

Thirteen of the new cases reported today are among residents in long-term care facilities, with 87 active outbreaks of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities.

Currently, there are 490 Mississippians hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection, and 186 with suspected COVID-19.

The age group seeing the highest rate of infection is 18 to 29, followed by the age group of 40 to 49, and not too far behind are those aged 30 to 39.

Meanwhile, in Tupelo, Mayor Jason Shelton has issued an Executive Order, effective Monday, June 29th, regarding the use of masks.

In response to the concerns over COVID-19 cases in Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves extended the “Safe Return” order to July 6, in an attempt to limit transmission.

Mississippi’s total of COVID-19 cases since March 11 now stands at 25,892, with 1,039 deaths.