The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 380 new cases of COVID-19.
The latest report brings the state’s total up to 295,675 cases. With the confirmation of *19 additional deaths, 6,743 Mississippians have passed away from the virus.
*MSDH Note: 11 deaths occurred between February 7 and February 23, identified from death certificate reports.
Overall hospitalizations did see a slight rise in the latest data from the MSDH.
Falling case numbers and hospitalizations led to Tuesday’s announcement from Governor Tate Reeves that all state-issued mask mandates and restrictions on businesses have been lifted—effective at 5 p.m. this afternoon.
Exceptions include the continued use of masks in K-12 schools across the state and a 50% capacity limit at indoor venues such as basketball arenas.
Cities and counties can still adopt stricter policies, so make sure you check your local ordinances.
With restrictions being rolled back, the MSDH has issued new public health guidance for those in at-risk populations.
“All Mississippi residents aged 65 or older, or 16 and older with serious chronic medical conditions, should avoid all social gatherings outside of the household or any in-person mass gathering, including religious ceremonies, or sporting events, until fully protected by an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Full vaccine effectiveness occurs two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and 28 days after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.”
The vaccination effort continues with the addition of the Johnson & Johnson shot. To date, over 660,000 doses have been administered in Mississippi.
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