State tallies 43 deaths due to COVID-19; shelter in place continues
By Joseph McCain
Winston, Webster and Choctaw
The Mississippi Department of Health reported at 10 a.m. on April 5, 1638 COVID-19 positive persons in the state with 43 deaths. These cases were as of 6 p.m. April 4, 2020. Cases reported to the MSDH after 6 p.m. will be reported later.
Choctaw County has 8 cases with 1 death, Webster County has 11 cases and 1 death and Winston County has 12 cases.
State ‘shelter in place order’
Governor Tate Reeves ordered a shelter-in-place for the state to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3.
The guidelines for a shelter-in-place order include:
• Individuals are to stay at home except for the limited allowances in the executive order.
• When outside of their homes, people must follow social distancing guidelines by maintaining a 6-foot distance from others and avoid groups of 10 or more.
• Evictions are suspended, though people are still required to pay any rent or make any mortgage payments.
• All nonessential businesses are to stop all activities other than those necessary for minimum operations (e.g. payroll, health insurance, security) and enabling employees to work from home.
• Social and other non-essential gatherings in groups of more than 10 people must be cancelled or rescheduled.
• Restaurants and bars may only remain open for drive-thru, curbside, and/or delivery service.
• People may leave their homes only to perform essential activities, such as caring for someone in the vulnerable population, getting food or necessary supplies, and working for an essential business.
Individual outdoor recreation is encouraged, but not group recreation or activities such as soccer or basketball games.
Symptoms and Testing
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu or a severe cold. If you think you have been exposed to the virus through contact with someone else who has been affected, you should call your health care provider immediately for medical advice.
Emergency warning signs and serious symptoms include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
• New confusion or inability to arouse.
• Bluish lips or face.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that this list is not all-inclusive and urges Americans to consult their medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
When Testing is Necessary
If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you live in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested.
People who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home. Your local medical professionals will be able to consider your case and deliver sound advice.
What If You’re Sick?
The CDC makes the following recommendations to those feeling sick or afflicted with a mild case of COVID-19:
Stay home. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
Avoid public areas. Do not go to work, school or public areas.
Avoid public transportation. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
Contacting your Doctors
People at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should contact their health care provider early, even if their illness is mild. This can help doctors make more informed decisions, like whether or not you should be hospitalized or if you should be tested for the virus.
The CDC reports that older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.
If you are very sick, get medical attention immediately. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately.
