COVID-19 cases in Mississippi near 3,000 as the second week of shelter in place continues. Courtesy MSDH

Cases of the novel coronavirus in Mississippi stand at 2,942 just after the Easter holiday. The Mississippi State Department of Health announced 161 new cases and two deaths as of 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, along with six deaths, bringing the statewide death count to 98.

The MSDH Public Health Laboratory has tested 9,412 individuals for COVID-19 as of April 12, and 1,020 tests returned positive results. MSDH has not updated total testing numbers from private labs since early last week.

A total of 58 long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, which are considered high-risk locations because their residents are older or in poor health, have reported outbreaks so far throughout the state.

Hinds, DeSoto and Lauderdale County have reported the largest number of cases with 259, 178 and 150, respectively. Lauderdale and Pearl River County have seen the most deaths at eight each. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed an executive order for Lauderdale residents to shelter in place on March 31, three days before a statewide shelter-in-place order went into effect on Friday, April 3.

African Americans currently make up 55% of reported cases and 67 percent of reported deaths, even though they comprise 38% of the population. The most heavily affected age group for reported cases remains people aged 40 to 69, while 50 to 59-year-olds account for the largest number of deaths by specific age group.

Issaquena County in west-central Mississippi remains the only one of 82 statewide that is not reporting official cases to date.

Read the JFP’s coverage of COVID-19 at jacksonfreepress.com/covid19. Get more details on preventive measures here. Read about announced closings and delays in Mississippi here. Read MEMA’s advice for a COVID-19 preparedness kit here.

Email information about closings and other vital related logistical details to [email protected].

Email state reporter Nick Judin, who is covering COVID-19 in Mississippi, at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @nickjudin. Seyma Bayram is covering the outbreak inside the capital city and in the criminal-justice system. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at @seymabayram0.