FC COVID-19 shows signs of slowing while death toll climbs

The spread of COVID-19 finally seems to be abating in Franklin County as the Mississippi Department of Health reported a total of eight new cases locally in the past seven days.

That’s the lowest number of infections reported locally since the start of the calendar year.

On Tuesday, March 1, FC’s cumulative number of coronavirus cases stood at 1,920.

Additionally, a new death was added to the county’s total, bringing the number of coronavirus-related fatalities to 37.

Throughout the Magnolia State, the cumulative amount of cases recorded since the beginning of the pandemic in March, 2020 now stands at 789,940.

Some 12,039 Mississippians have died from complications related to the virus.

Health officials are still recommending residents get vaccinated against the illness.

About 3,994 Franklin County residents — or 52 percent of the local population — have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 inoculation, and 3,654 (52 percent) are considered to be fully vaccinated.

Statewide, 1,624,674 (53 percent) people have received at least their first dose of the shot while 1,459,143 are considered to be fully inoculated against the illness.

Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Meadville continues to offer COVID-19 shots and boosters from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment for in-house inoculation services, call 601-384-8264.