Coronavirus growth rate slows to four in past week

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Franklin County for the week ending Tuesday, Dec. 14 was only four — a significant drop after 33 cases were reported locally in the two weeks following the Thanksgiving holiday.

The cumulative number of coronavirus infections recorded in the county since the beginning of the pandemic now stands at 1,275.

The number of fatalities tied to the illness in Franklin County remained at 30, while the statewide tally of deaths has grown to 10,326.

Across the Magnolia State, the cumulative number of reported COVID-19 cases was 519,115 as of Tuesday.

Vaccination rates continue to rise slowly with 3,789 — about 49 percent of — Franklin County residents having received at least one dose of the shot.

The latest report also indicates 3,442 local residents — some 45 percent — are presently considered to be fully inoculated.

The state’s Department of Health reported 1,533,530 — 50 percent — of Mississippians have received at least one dose of the inoculation and 1,370,381 — 44 percent — are now considered to be fully vaccinated against the illness.

Dr. Thomas Dobbs, who serves as state health officer in Mississippi, is calling for residents who are vaccinated to get their booster shots in an effort to protect themselves from the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

He also urges taking precautions over the holidays to prevent spreading the illness.

“Please get your booster doses — especially important if you are over 65 or have any medical conditions,” Dobbs said.

“Do the things that can be done ... every little bit helps, so be conscientious about what you’re doing going into the holidays.”

Mississippi is one of now 19 states – including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Texas – which have reported seeing at least one case of the Omicron variation.

In addition, health officials noted the Delta variant of the illness is still prevalent across the state with cold and influenza transmission also rapidly rising with the onset of winter.

“Delta is still the predominant variant in Mississippi,” Dr. Geri Weiland, a pediatrician and president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, said.

“People are indoors more and are around family and friends more. It just lends itself to more transmission of illnesses. The best thing for people to do is stay home and away from others if they are sick and make sure they get the flu and coronavirus vaccines.”

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

To schedule an appointment for a vaccination through the hospital, call 601-384-8264.