FC virus count up by 81 as of Feb. 8

Franklin County has witnessed 81 new cases of coronavirus during the past seven days, according to the latest numbers provided by the Mississippi Department of Health.

The agency confirmed 1,862 cumulative infections locally as of Tuesday, Feb. 8 — up from the 1,781 that had been reported on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

This week’s count was actually three cases less than what was measured between Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, which was 84.

One new death was also attributed to Franklin County during the most recent reporting week bringing the number of fatalities locally since the pandemic began in March, 2020, to 35.

Across Mississippi, 768,457 cumulative cases of coronavirus were reported as of Tuesday, Feb. 8

Of that number, 11,285 deaths were attributed statewide to the spread of the virus.

Dr. Paul Byers, who serves as state epidemiologist, said he and health officials expect the high instances of COVID-19 cases involving the Omicron variant along with associated hospitalizations and deaths to continue through the coming weeks.

COVID-19 shots and boosters are still being administered between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursday at Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Meadville

To schedule an appointment to receive an inoculation through FCMH, call 601-384-8264.