One new virus case reported in county during past week

On Sunday, April 17, the Mississippi Department of Health reported one new case of coronavirus in Franklin County during the past seven days.

The area’s cumulative 25-month infection count officially climbed to 1,925 cases.

For the first three weeks of the current month, only one positive COVID-19 infection has been listed by the health department.

The agency also noted the county’s death toll remained steady at 38 during the seven-day cycle ending April 17.

The last local death was reported during the first week of March.

Statewide, 796,496 cases of COVID-19 and 12,424 illness-related fatalities have been reported since the pandemic began in the Magnolia State during March, 2020.

Health officials said the positive trend related to virus numbers across Mississippi is encouraging, but there are concerns about possible impacts from yet another variant strain of the illness — BA.2.

“The vaccines are our biggest defense,” Dr. Geri Weiland, who is president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, said. “Just because we’re seeing these downward trends does not mean people need to let their guards down.”

At present, the health department reports an estimated 48 percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Meadville is continuing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to residents of the area.

Those seeking information about getting a shot are encouraged to call 601-384-3199 for additional details.